14th October 2007

Cobham 34 pts           Chobham 5 pts

On a splendid afternoon for rugby with a good crowd and fine weather, Cobham under 15s got their league season off to an excellent start with a good performance against a very good Chobham side.

The team started with purpose and were quick to the breakdown and set up a good platform in the Chobham 22. After ten minutes the first score came after a drive from a line-out was followed by excellent passing down the line for Williams to score in the corner.

After this Cobham maintained the upper hand but a turnover in midfield led to the dangerous Chobham backs to break away and score a good try in the left corner. Patience was the word and a determined Cobham team proceeded to dominate the rest of the half. The forwards were solid and won good ruck ball and Markham at fly half mixed his game well with neat offloads and raking kicks. The second try came after the forwards sucked the Chobham backs in and space was created for Burns on the right wing. From the restart a good offload from Koep gave Mead room to motor and set up a fast ruck, ball was fed to Markham who chipped to the corner where Williams made himself first to the ball to score an excellent try.

The half finished with the Cobham forwards applying pressure and forced a 5 metre scrum and Stout made sure that the good work was rewarded with the fourth try.

Half-time 22-5

The second half was a bit more muted and Chobham were able to play their game at times but good defence meant that Cobham held their line. One particular tackle and pick up by Powlson from 10 metres from our own line being particularly brilliant.

Two tries were scored, one from Conor Jones and the final try by Koep after good support work and off loading from the pack.

Overall this was a very good display. In the backs Markham led his line well, the centres, Bliss and Harty ensured that the Chobham backs could not get moving, and the wingers took their chances well with Williams having his best game for Cobham to date.

In the forwards Stout was dominant in the line-out, Clifford and Cragg were all over the place and Koep supported well. Man of the match is Mead who stepped in late and had a very good all round game, solid in the tight, good rucking and several fine runs.

A good start……

Neil McCallum