North Walsham 5 - Cambridge ‘A’ 55

Cambridge scorers:

Ben Crowe (3, the second from 70 meters)

Tom Pettit (2)

Tom Carpenter

Michael Green

George Lee

James Palmer

Michael Green 5 conversions

After an impressive series of straightforward wins Cambridge Under 14 A side were expecting stiff opposition from North Walsham. Any win in which 9 tries are scored and the opposition are restricted to a late consolation try demonstrates that Cambridge are a useful side and are still looking for a sterner test; maybe old rivals Shelford will step up.

For Cambridge there were many positives to take from the match. At best the forwards and backs played fast flowing, effective rugby and the pace and fitness of the team is impressive. Some of the tries were a delight to watch (at least for a Cambridge supporter).

To their credit North Walsham, 27-0 down at half time, came back hard and tested the discipline and cohesion of Cambridge. To add a further 28 points in the second half show that Cambridge were prepared to work to the final minute forcing North Walsham to run laterally and kick away hard won possession.

Areas for improvement for Cambridge are communicating at the restart (they had plenty of practice today), retention of the ball in contact situation and a tendency by some, to stand off and concede advantage to the oppositions. Against better opposition these shortfalls will be exploited; against North Walsham it did not matter.

Man of the match Tom Pettit

Alistair Mack

28/01/07