Nov 2, 20213 min read

Last minute disappointment for Cobham

Cobham travelled to London Irish's ground at Hazelwood in Sunbury to see if they could achieve an improved result following their high scoring draw at Horsham the previous week (32-32). With Captain Ryan Saunders returning after injury and Number 8 Jake McQuade making his first appearance of the season, Director of Rugby Steve Pope was looking forward to achieving the objective against the Wild Geese, who had thus far only achieved a win over London Cornish.

However, in the first half the hosts played way above their position as they took advantage of the wind and stunned Cobham with a breakaway converted try in the first couple of minutes from their winger (7-0). Although Irish had problems with both their lineout and scrum, where Cobham dominated, their number 8 caused difficulties all afternoon for the visitors defence and secured vital metres.

It was Cobham who scored next with probably their best play of the game. James MacDonald secured the ball in his own 22, tore down the wing before the backline combined to release Tiernan White to score in the corner. Despite the exceptionally windy conditions, Ant Braithwaite judged his conversion to perfection to level the score (7-7).

The next 20 minutes saw both sides attempting to gain the initiative, before Irish went ahead from a penalty followed by a perfectly placed cross kick from their fly half to winger, who ran in for his second try (15-7). Just before the break, the Wild Geese extended their lead with a further penalty to give them a two-score advantage at the halfway stage (18-7).

After a disappointing first half, Cobham gradually built pressure in a second half where Irish lacked the energy they had shown in the first 40 minutes. The pressure was eventually turned into points as two penalties from Braithwaite and then the all-important try from McQuade, after Cobham's pack drove over the line close to the posts, tied the score at 18-18. Braithwaite added the extras and the visitors led for the first time in the match (18-20).

Irish were not finished and would have scored in the corner if it wasn’t for a try saving tackle from George Tunnicliffe. However, with just one minute left on the clock Cobham gave away a penalty just outside their 22 and Irish’s fly half made no mistake in providing the home with their only score of the second half and a victory by the narrowest of margins (21-20).

Director of Rugby Steve Pope said: “A very frustrating day and we were only able to provide 30 mins of football we normally produce. Unfortunately, we didn't apply ourselves well in first half and we took too long to get into the contest. Credit to our hosts, they played well and we really let them get what they needed from the game. We will need to be better over the coming weeks; there’s plenty to work on and lots of competition for places across the senior teams.”

Cobham 1st XV Squad:

1. Luke Bliss

2. Andrew Murphy

3. Ben Joyce

4. Louis Porter

5. Joe Goddard

6. Nathan Spratt

7. Ben Keast

8. Jake McQuade

9. Ryan Saunders (Capt.)

10. Ant Braithwaite

11. James MacDonald