In what seemed like an impossible challenge, Cobham defied expectations to not only defeat the unbeaten league leaders Trinity away on Saturday (23 November), but also secured their first clean sheet since November 2016, when they triumphed 26-0 against Maidstone. Played in the atrocious conditions of Storm Bert, the performance was a true testament to Cobham's resilience and skill, as they claimed their fourth consecutive league victory.
Cobham's ability to use the challenging conditions to their advantage was evident, particularly in the first half, where they arguably played their best rugby of the season. With 11 of the previous week's starting XV in the team, Cobham had a settled side although utility back Rory Penfold filled in at scrum-half for the absent Ryan Saunders. There were also welcome returns for Taylor Burnett and Louis Porter, while Ben Joyce, Ed Jackson and Sam Meehan were named on the bench, ready to make an impact.
Trinity won the toss and chose to play into the fierce wind, which immediately impacted the game. From the kick-off, Cobham were able to exploit the conditions, with the ball carried deep into Trinity’s territory. The first scrum seemed evenly matched, but Cobham's strength in the second and subsequent scrums allowed them to turn over the ball. Number eight Tom Davison capitalised on an opportunity, launching Cobham's first of many attack phases. Strong carries from Andrew Murphy and support from his teammates ensured the ball kept flowing, despite the wet conditions making handling difficult.
Cobham took advantage when Trinity were unable to collect the ball cleanly. James Edmondson pounced, offloading to Knox O'Connor, who set up the next phase. After Trinity lost their fullback to injury, Cobham regained momentum from the resulting scrum, gaining a penalty that set up a lineout. A well-executed collect from Ollie Fielding allowed the backs to spread the ball wide. A quick tap penalty from Penfold caught Trinity off guard and while second row James White was held-up, Fielding powered over the line for the first try. Will Stephen added the conversion (0-7).
Cobham continued to apply pressure and a break from Penfold, who received an offload from captain Chris Lippiatt, nearly led to a second try but he was bundled into touch. Despite this, Cobham maintained their momentum and, after several scrums, James White drove over the line to score the visitors second try. Stephen's conversion made the score to 0-14.
Around the 25-minute mark, Trinity had a brief spell of possession and territory, aided by a kick-through from captain Harry Wilson. However, poor handling and strong Cobham defence kept them from building any significant pressure. The home sides ' number eight, Farooq Agbalaya, had been a consistent threat throughout the match, but Cobham's defence remained firm and the score stood at 0-14 going into half-time, with Trinity set to have the wind advantage in the second half.
Although Trinity came out with more possession and a more settled scrum after the break, it was Cobham who extended their lead. Tom Davison showed his elusiveness once again, feeding Rory Penfold who sprinted over in the corner to make it 0-19. With fresh legs from the bench in the final quarter, Cobham's defence remained resolute, frustrating Trinity's efforts to break through.
On a few occasions, Trinity lost valuable territory through penalties and Stephen capitalised with two successful kicks, extending the lead to 25-points.
In a match where both players and supporters had to show stoicism in the face of Storm Bert's harsh conditions, Cobham made a powerful statement: they are the team to beat as we approach the Christmas break.
With Hove defeating Weybridge Vandals by just one point, the top five teams are now separated by only five points, ensuring an exciting finish to the first half of the season. Cobham will host East Grinstead in their next match (7 December) and all supporters are encouraged to attend.
Cobham 1st XV Squad:-
1. Chris Lippiatt (Capt.)
2. Andrew Murphy
3. Ryan Aujla
4. James White
5. Louis Porter
6. Ollie Fielding
7. Olly Fox
8. Tom Davison
9. Rory Penfold
10. Knox O’Connor
11. James Edmondson
12. Will Stephen
13. Fin Savill
14. Taylor Burnett
15. Connor Dellapina
Substitutes:
16. Ben Joyce
17. Ed Jackson
18. Sam Meehan
Scorers:
Tries: Fielding, White, Penfold
Conversions: Stephen (2)
Penalties: Stephen (2)
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