Four for Redknapp as Cobham break KCS' first half resiliance

As the unbeaten league leaders, Cobham have a target on their back and having seen Haywards Heath raise their game the previous week, this time around it was the turn of KCS Old Boys. While the final score suggested that Cobham dominated the match for those watching it was anything but, with a half-time score of 29-24. Tom Davison was back in the squad and celebrated his 50th cap, while Olly Fox played his first game of the season having recently become a Dad. Wilf Saywell came in at fly half for Dellapina.

KCS had only previously won against Old Wimbledonians this season but had come within four points of defeating Trinity the previous week, so wanted to create an upset at the Memorial Grounds. That's exactly what they did both on and off the pitch, when their scrum half Will Barnett scored in the corner within two minutes of kick -off. Alarm bells will have been going off for Cobham as several KCS players tested the defence in the lead up to the try, which was converted by centre Dara Madden (0-7).

Having absorbed the shock, Cobham got into their rhythm and from a free play their first foray into the KCS half came close to putting Redknapp in for a try. However, from the penalty kick that set-up a driving maul, Saywell passed out to Penfold, who had come into the line from the wing, before a floated pass out to Redknapp resulted in a run-in (5-7).

On an afternoon where defences were frequently breached on both sides, KCS second row Andrea Cortellari found space and then centre Madden. However, dropped passes were a feature of the afternoon so despite KCS having the territory no inroads could be made. From a scrum on Cobham's ten metre area, Saywell launched Fin Savill who ran virtually the length of the pitch that turned the momentum of the game upside down. From an ensuing penalty, Captain Lippiatt drove over to put Cobham in front, as Saywell added the extras (12-7).

Hugh Farmer had to come off for an injury, with Noah Joyce going into the second row. From the restart, Davison collected and fed Penfold, who ran 50 metres. Saunders passed to Saywell, with Lippiatt and Bond adding to the move, before Redknapp to side stepped over the try line, for a try that took just 60 six seconds to create following the previous score (17-7).

Not for the first in the match, KCS responded positively and having put themselves back into striking territory, second row Cortellari got over for an unconverted try (17-12). That score revitalised the visitors, who were playing way above their league position. Number 8 Evans broke the line, but a penalty relieved the pressure and with Jake McQuade playing in his trademark extra centre position and creating space, Cobham were soon back in the visitors half. With pressure on the try line, Fox celebrated his return with a try that Saywell converted (24-12).

Cue KCS’ response and return to Cobham's ten-metre area, before Maddin charged over for an unconverted try (24-17). From the next scrum, a classic backline try from Cobham as Bond came into the line to create the extra man, before Penfold’s speed took him over in the corner (29-17). This could have been the half-time score, but KCS' Crystal linked up with flanker Keller to take the ball to the Cobham line, where hooker Owen went over. Maddin converted meaning a single score separated the teams at the break (29-24).

There will have been some frustration in the Cobham camp that, despite all their efforts, KCS were still very much in this game, looking to inflict a first defeat on the league leaders from the other end of the table. Cobham needed to finish what they had started.

Shortly after the restart, KCS lost their fly half Grafton to a yellow card for a dangerous tackle and Cobham immediately exploited the extra man. Saunders broke through a lineout following a Davison collect. It looked to have set-up a great score as Saywell and Savill put Penfold over, but the try was disallowed. However, as if playing with 14 players wasn't tough enough, KCS flanker James Shaw was also sin-binned for a high tackle that took Davison off the pitch, with Incledon coming on. It was only a matter of time before that mismatch saw the KCS scrum buckle, as the pass went wide to put Redknapp in at the corner (34-24).

Cobham then looked to have emulated their 66th second try, when a scrum on the halfway line from a failed kick-off, saw Penfold sail over but once again the try was disallowed. However, Cobham still had the advantage of numbers and following a tap penalty from McQuade, the ball went wide and this time it was Saywell with the pass to Redknapp for back-to-back tries in the corner. Saywell must have wondered when a try was going to be scored under the posts (39-24).

Restored to full numbers, KCS knew they needed to score next and following pressure on the Cobham line, Shaw made up for his card by touching down and Maddin converted (39-31). McQuade was having a barnstorming match, creating opportunities and space for others, as was Noah Joyce. From those efforts, the territory gained provided opportunities and Saunders sent the defence in the wrong direction to give Savill his chance to score, giving Cobham had their eighth try (44-31).

After substituting in the back row for the last two matches, Incldeon had finally got his chance to come on in the backline. Within minutes, he found space to score Cobham's final try and Saywell brought up the half century (51-31). Despite the twenty-point deficit, KCS never gave up. The frustration created a few 'handbag' moments and a third yellow card towards the end of the match. However, the visitors persistence also created a try, making the final score 51-36.

That final score meant KCS had scored more points against Cobham than any other team this season. Were it not for for the yellow cards they received, this could have been a very different result. However, Cobham maintain their unbeaten record and remain top of the league. The team are away to Old Wimbledonians this Saturday (24 January) – all support welcome.

Cobham 1st XV Squad:-

1. Chris Lippiatt (Capt.)

2. Andrew Murphy

3. Ben Joyce

4. Hugh Farmer

5. Will O’Leary

6. Tom Davison*

7. Olly Fox

8. Jake McQuade

9. Ryan Saunders

10. Wilf Saywell

11. Charlie Redknapp

12. Fin Savill

13. Taylor Burnett

14. Rory Penfold

15. Jordan Bond

Substitutes:

16. Lewis Joyce

17. Noah Joyce

18. Tom Incledon

* 50th Cap

Scorers:

Tries: Redknapp (4), Fox, Savill, Lippiatt, Incledon

Conversions: Saywell (3)

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