Strong Second Half From CS Not Quite Enough

Rugby Result : Guildford 34 CS Stags 26

Despite a strong start to the second half in which CS scored two very quick tries, their second half performance, although sustained was not quite enough, and critical errors at crucial moments cost CS their victory.

The home side inflicted much damage in the second quarter. Their first score however came from a penalty on only 14 minutes, which they kicked long for an attacking line out. In a set move their physical right wing left his post early, received an exquisitely timed and weighted slip pass from his centre and scored under the posts 7 – 0.

The second try came at the start of the second quarter and also had its foundation on a penalty, conceded at a set scum, but this try was scored down the left wing 12 – 0. Before the half-ended CS had an opportunity to deal with an innocuous looking grubber kick but failed to do so and only helped the home team to its third try 19-0 which is how the score remained until the second minute of the second half.

On receiving the ball in his own half winger James Houstoun set off down the right wing, he passed to back row Ollie Roberts who made further ground before returning it to Houstoun who scored under the posts. Full back Josh Knight converted 19 – 7. Within a further two minutes, CS took play deep into Guildford’s half and on winning the ball and feeding it back scrum half Adam Nixon was on hand to cross the line, Josh Knight again converted 19 – 14.

Guildford were suitably concerned and soon scored two more tries, one of which was gifted to them when a CS defender tried a grubber kick but missed the ball from which the home team crossed the line. 29 – 14. The response was swift as a CS winger broke down the left but was tackled very close to the line but the ball was kept alive for back row Ollie Roberts to score 29 – 19.

However shortly afterwards the Guildford No 8 who was enjoying a very complete game was allowed to break from the base of the scrum to score 34 – 19. In pushing for a bonus point try CS took play right up to the Guildford line, and when the ball was fed to No 8 Matt Williams a couple of metres out, and at pace the result was inevitable. 34 – 26.

On Saturday CS host Old Brentwood in the final league match of the season. Kick off 15-00.

April 9, 2019