Stowmarket 22 - Cambridge ‘B’ 27

Cambridge scorers:

Fred Walston (2)

Chris Newbery

Jack Wilson

Oliver Touhey

Jack Wilson 1 conversion

After last week’s loss the B team were aiming to redeem themselves, and they didn’t disappoint. The omens were not good however, with only 14 of the original squad of 23 reporting for duty.

Peter Tasker kicked off with a following breeze and Cambridge were inside the Stowmarket 22. We conceded an early penalty, then lost our first scrum and were suddenly on the defensive. After a series of decisive tackles, including a try-saver from new signing Laurie Blackman, fly half Jack Wilson gained 30 meters and we were back on the attack. Fred Walston produced the first of many strong runs but was brought down 1 meter short of the line. Cambridge won the next scrum and No. 9 Chris Newbery darted blind-side to put Cambridge on the board. Jack Wilson drop-kicked a stunning conversion from the side-line.

0 - 7

Stowmarket exerted pressure from their kick off and took advantage of Jack’s temporary exit with nosebleed to score. A second try quickly followed with Stow chasing a loose ball down the field.10 - 7

Cambridge now had a game on their hands and the next period of play contained some penetrating runs from Peter Tasker, Jack Wilson and Fred Walston. The forward pressure was too much for the home side and Fred scored from a push over the line. Half-time 10 - 12

Cambridge started the second half with aggression – Oliver Touhey made a spirited 50m run, Jack Wilson attacked, persisted and eventually scored.10 - 17

The Cambridge backs were cooperating, with fast ball from the scrums. Oliver Touhey saw a gap and ran for the corner. 10 - 22

By now Cambridge were taking at least 75% of the possession and home team heads were starting to droop. But Cambridge lost another scrum and Stowmarket broke away to score under the posts. The try was converted. 17 - 22

5 minutes later Stowmarket produced another long searching kick and bustled over to even the score. Cambridge pulses were again racing. 22 - 22

Cambridge realised they had to pull finger to avoid defeat. The pack provided good ball and the backs produced some flowing rugby, but the effort was telling and the legs tiring. Stow concede a penalty and Fred Walston produced another run, to score in the corner.22- 27

The last 5 minutes saw the possession change several times, but Cambridge weathered the late assault and carried the game. This was a most entertaining game between evenly matched sides.

John Tasker

28/01/07