This was only the second time Cobham had visited Saint Hill in East Grinstead, losing 40-5 in January 2013 on their previous trip. However, Cobham had won the home fixture 26-7 back in December, so they were looking for a win as the season draws to a close. With the best-laid plans of flying into Gatwick and driving the short distance to the ground, an early kick-off and delayed flight meant this match was watched using the exceptional camera recording that East Grinstead utilises.
Due to injury and unavailability, Cobham had a much-changed backline with Jordon Bond returning from his injury at Twickenham and Will Springett coming in at full back. Laurence Hemary got his first start on the wing, having gained his international cap for Iraq in the Asia 7s tournament in Egypt last month, assisting Iraq to their first win against Saudi Arabia. Adding to the international 7s pedigree of the team, Backs & Skills coach Marcus Watson was on the bench. Aside from playing for England Under 20s and a number of Premiership teams, Marcus was part of Team GBs 7s squad that won a silver medal at the Rio Olympic games.
Cobham kicked off and there was nothing between the teams for the opening ten minutes. East Grinstead dominated the lineout and were enjoying more possession and territory, so it was against the run of play when Bond collected a loose ball and ran down the line. Just before being pushed into touch, he kicked ahead for scrum half Rory Penfold to collect one handed and score (0-5).
Cobham's second try came from a lineout. With the ball then being spun out wide, Ollie Fielding gained ground before Penfold sent picked out Bond, who set-up winger Sandro Celebidachi to run in for the score close to the posts, allowing Taylor Burnett to convert (0-12). East Grinstead, playing way above their league position, looked to respond. However, it was the visitors who went further ahead by reprising their second try routine. This time, the lineout possession was fed to Ryan Aujla who gained territory, allowing Penfold to feed Lippiatt before Bond set-up full back Springett for a try in the corner (0-17).
McQuade nearly made it four when he thought he was in sight of the line, only for the referee to penalise Cobham for crossing in the build-up. That penalty enabled Grinstead to take their opportunity when centre Ted Hardisty took a great line from full back Billin's pass, to go over for a converted try (7-17).
Penfold has scored some great tries this season, but his second was as good as we have seen; running the ball from his own half, twice throwing the dummy before touching down for Burnett to convert (7-24). Grinstead tried to hit back, as Cobham had to defend their line as the first half drew to a close.
Soon after the second half started, Bond created space with a searing run but pulled up with an injury. This provided Watson with his opportunity to make his debut for Cobham off the bench. Having secured their bonus point try in the first half, Cobham's fifth came from a mis-kick and involved half the team as Porter, Fielding, O'Connor, Penfold, Lippiatt and finally Springett provided Hemary with his first try on debut in the corner (7-29). That try was swiftly followed by Fielding evading three tackles to score under the posts, with Burnett adding the extras and taking the score to 7-36.
It would have been very easy for heads to go down, but credit to Grinstead who scored the next two tries; firstly as their number 8 Aaronn Boczek went over under the posts (14-36) before substitute centre Josh Weaver added to their tally (21-36). That looked to be the final score, but with just four minutes remaining, Watson set-up Burnett with an exquisite inside pass for Burnett, who converted his own try. Final score, 21-43. A great game of running rugby by both teams and no yellow cards.
Cobham finish their season away to second placed Old Rutlishians on 5 April, having scored more points than any other team both home (488) and away (344). All support is welcome.
Cobham 1st XV Squad:-
1. Chris Lippiatt (Capt.)
2. Ryan Aujla
3. Ant Moss
4. Luke Westgarth-Taylor
5. Louis Porter
6. Ollie Fielding
7. Olly Fox
8. Jake McQuade
9. Rory Penfold
10. Jordan Bond
11. Laurence Hemary
12. Taylor Burnett
13. Alex O’Connor
14. Sandro Celebidachi
15. Will Springett
Substitutes:
16. Lewis Joyce
17. Gabriel Clark
18. Marcus Watson
Scorers:
Tries: Springett, Penfold (2), Celebidachi, Fielding, Hemary, Burnett
Conversions: Burnett (4)
Match photos are available here - courtesy of Ben Hardisty Image, from East Grinstead RFC.
