Cobham were determined to build on their impressive win over Twickenham two weeks ago, but with only half of the squad available from that match, they faced a challenging test against a physically dominant KCS pack and a well-drilled backline.
Gabriel Clarke made his 1st XV debut off the bench, while Ed Jackson earned his first start in the back row. Impressively, 15 of the 18 players named in the squad have progressed through Cobham’s Mini and Youth system, highlighting the club's commitment to developing homegrown talent.
Cobham's last visit to Motspur Park, back in December 2021, ended in a convincing 24-35 victory, with Captain Chris Lippiatt, Ryan Saunders, Andrew Murphy and winger Rory Penfold featuring again in this fixture.
The visitors started brightly, with full-back Connor Dellaphina opening the scoring with a well-executed penalty from distance (0-3). However, KCS quickly responded through scrum-half Neil Williams, whose try, though well taken, was unconverted (5-3). Fin Savill, playing his first match in over a year, made an immediate impact. A crunching tackle led to a turnover and, after a penalty, second-row James White powered over to restore Cobham’s lead. Dellaphina added the extras, to make it 5-10.
It was Savill again who sparked the next try. After a solid catch from a lineout and with the help of a well-timed pass from fly-half Knox O'Connor, full back Dellaphina fed winger Penfold who finished off the move in the corner (5-15). These back-to-back scores were crucial, as KCS enjoyed the majority of possession in the first half. However, Cobham’s defence was resolute, with key contributions from Olly Fox and Will O’Leary in the lineout, and Andrew Murphy securing valuable opposition ball at the tail of the lineout, meaning they held onto their lead at the halfway stage.
Historically, Cobham have struggled to start the second half strongly and despite their best intentions, this trend continued. KCS capitalised on a lineout and rolling maul, with hooker Alex Owen driving over for the try (10-15). In past matches, an early response from the opposition has dictated the pattern of play in the second half but Cobham's response was swift and decisive. Winger Ross Munro intercepted a pass deep in Cobham’s half and sprinted 70 metres to score, to restore a two-score advantage (10-20).
The visitors’ bonus point try was arguably their best of the afternoon. O'Connor chose to carry the ball into KCS territory rather than kick for two consecutive penalties, eventually feeding scrum-half Ryan Saunders. He linked up with the backline, sending the ball wide for Penfold to race over for his second try of the day (10-25).
At this point, Cobham were 15 points ahead, but KCS weren't finished. Inspired by a vocal home crowd, they responded with two quick tries. Substitute Ed Pickins touched down (15-25), followed by full-back Patrick Smith leaving the score at 22-25 with just minutes remaining.
With the momentum shifting in KCS's favour, Cobham found themselves under intense pressure in the closing stages. However, a penalty and a lineout near the KCS try line provided a moment of relief. Andrew Murphy came agonisingly close to scoring, but the referee called time just as the tension reached its peak. Final score 22-25.
Cobham’s defence was undoubtedly the highlight of the match. Despite facing wave after wave of KCS attacks in both halves, the visitors held firm. The physicality and commitment from Cobham’s players was outstanding, with Fox, O'Leary, and Murphy standing out in key set-piece moments.
The victory sees Cobham climb to fifth in the league table and they will be looking to build on this win in their upcoming home match against Eastbourne (16 November), where the Ex-Players’ Lunch will also take place.
Cobham 1st XV Squad:-
1. Chris Lippiatt (Capt.)
2. Andrew Murphy
3. Ryan Aujla
4. James White
5. Joe Harker
6. Ed Jackson
7. Olly Fox
8. Will O’Leary
9. Ryan Saunders
10. Knox O’Connor
11. Ross Munro
12. Fin Savill
13. Will Palmer
14. Rory Penfold
15. Connor Dellaphina
Replacements:
16. Gabriel Clarke*
17. George O’Connor
18. Sam Meehan
*Debut
Scorers:
Tries: White, Penfold (2), Ross Munro
Conversion: Dellaphina
Penalty: Dellaphina
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