Cobham’s 1st XV travelled away to Fullerians on Saturday (26 November), having won their previous four games, for their first-ever match in Watford. The visitors rejigged their pack and welcomed Tom Davison back from injury, while a first start was given to full back Dan Allchurch following his own injury at the end of last season. Back row John Radford was also given a first start of the season following his appearance off the bench two weeks ago.
Cobham started positively and were 14-0 up after just ten minutes with tries from Davison, following a pick-up from the base of a scrum before powering through the Fullerians defence to the line, and fellow back row forward Radford. Fly half Tom Farrelly converted both scores. Fullers fought back and took their opportunities well and replied with a well-taken try from number eight Rich McCabe, with Ben Matchett adding the extras (7-14)
Cobham responded with their third try of the afternoon going to Allchurch, who was making up for his lost game (7-19). Fullerians then enjoyed their best period of the first half as they battled to reduce the deficit, but just before half-time Captain Ryan Saunders scored the all-important fourth bonus point try, which Farrelly converted (7-26).
Fullerians cut the lead when inside centre Shaun Smith went over and Matchett converted (14-26) but Cobham continued with their try spree when winger Rory Penfold put himself on the score sheet, with Farrelly making no mistake from the kicking tee (14-33). The home side refused to give up and scored a consolation try in the final ten minutes from full-back Kieran Cavanagh. Final score 19-33.
Fullerians were big and direct and they will certainly cause teams trouble going into the winter months. Notable mentions for John Radford, Chris Lippiatt, Taylor Burnett and Dan Allchurch, who all had strong games in helping Cobham to maintain their winning run.
Elsewhere, a depleted Cobham 2nd XV came up against a strong Old Tiffs side and lost out 12-51.
This Saturday (3 December), Cobham’s 1st XV welcome second placed Old Priorians and are also hosting the Ladies Lunch prior to the game, supporting CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young). The 2nd XV travel to Rosslyn Park.
Cobham 1st XV Squad:-
1. Chris Lippiatt
2. Dave Stewart
3. Luke Bliss
4. Wesley Van Der Ploeg
5. Joe Goddard
6. Louis Porter
7. John Radford
8. Tom Davison
9. Ryan Saunders (Capt.)
10. Tom Farrelly
11. Max MacDonald
12. Taylor Burnett
13. James MacDonald
14. Rory Penfold
15. Dan Allchurch
Substitutes:-
16. Richard Nunn
17. Ryan Aujla
18. Gresham Lynn
Scorers:-
Tries: Davison, Radford, Saunders, Allchurch, Penfold
Conversions: Farrelly (4)
