Cobham claim dramatic late victory over Twickenham

Oct 28, 20243 min read

The last time Twickenham RFC visited Cobham was almost ten years ago (April 2015) when they secured a 10-20 victory. They had also won five of their first six fixtures, so after a disappointing defeat against Hove last time out, Cobham would need to be at their best. They didn't disappoint in what proved to be an absorbing match for the spectators.

Will O’Leary and Wilf Saywell travelled back from Nottingham University to play and there was a first start for Connor Dellaphina at fly half. Many congratulations to Andrew Murphy who won his 90th Cap.

Played in front of the Clubhouse, the match didn't start well for the home side with Twickenham gaining the first score after just five minutes from; a slick try coming from a lineout allowing their number 8 Nick Smith to touchdown, followed by a successful conversion (0-7).

Cobham's response was immediate. Having secured territory from drives by Murphy, Westgarth-Taylor and Porter, it was a steal by Murphy at the lineout that set-up the Cobham response. Having lost Henry MacGuire temporarily to a leg injury, Penfold moved to the wing and Franks came on at scrum half. He sent the ball down the line and with some great offloads, full back Will Stephen came into the line to touch down and then convert (7-7).

Twickenham came close to regaining the lead but were held-up and from the relieving kick, Cobham achieved the territory and a penalty in front of the posts, which Stephen slotted to put the hosts ahead (10-7).

Porter and Saywell ensured a break from Twickenham didn’t result in the next score, before another break from Smith just failed to be converted when the pass on the line was dropped. Twickenham continued to exert pressure in the Cobham half but their defence held firm and eventually the visitors had to be content with a penalty to level the score (10-10).

Cobham's next score came from a lineout on the visitors 10 yard line. The ball was fed down the line allowing Dellaphina to give a great assist to winger Saywell, who claimed the score (15-10). Twickenham finished the half strongly when a scrum close to Cobham's line enabled their centre Archie Lamont to score meaning the two sides went into the break tied at 15-all. With Twickenham having had most of the possession and territory, Cobham will have been happy with that scoreline but they would have to increase the momentum in the second half.

With Henry Macquire restored to the wing, Cobham recorded the opening points of the half when they were awarded a penalty within kicking range for Stephen (18-15). However, having provided solid defence along their line in the opening 40 minutes, Twickenham's third try went to second row Louis Banks, who shook off a couple of tackles to score and restore the visitors lead (18-22).

Cobham's third try involved the whole team as it developed from a lineout in their own half, before the ball stayed in hand and through multiple phases for over three minutes. Closing in on the line, it looked as though Murphy was going to celebrate his 90th cap with a try only to be held-up. Scrum half Penfold picked up the loose ball to score that Stephen converted from wide out (25-22), which would prove to be two crucial points.

With little between the sides every penalty would be key; Twickenham converted their next one to draw level again (25-25). Substitute Ben Goodard broke through and it looked as if a further try would be added, only for the key pass to go astray. However, Cobham were penalised and Sam Goddard took the visitors ahead again (25-28).

Having lost their last home game, Cobham dug deep and the final ten minutes saw the home side camped on the Twickenham line and with the clock running down their pressure was incessant. Saywell went close, before a looping long pass from centre Will Palmer to winger Henry Macquire finally eluded the defence and the winning try was scored in the final minute (30-28).

Cobham raised their game to deservedly win this match and it was very well received by the home supporters. Will O'Leary who was ubiquitous throughout and deserved the man-of-the-match award.

The try fest for Cobham continues and although placed mid-table they have scored more points (271) than any other team in the league, and have 6 try scoring bonus points from 7 games.

Cobham 1st XV Squad:

1. Chris Lippiatt (Capt.)

2. Andrew Murphy

3. Ryan Aujla

4. Luke Westgarth-Taylor

5. Will O’Leary

6. Matt Frost

7. Olly Fox

8. Louis Porter

9. Rory Penfold

10. Connor Dellaphina

11. Henry MacGuire