Cobham had secured an emphatic victory (60-20) last November when they played Eastbourne at home for the first time. However, Eastbourne came into this match having won their last two fixtures, so were looking to avenge that defeat. There were debuts on the bench for South African Ant Moss and Australian Hugh Kennedy, while Jake McQuade played in the midfield and Gabe Clark realised his ambition of making his first start.
Cobham dominated the opening ten minutes, with driving runs form number eight Tom Davison and full back Sandro Celebidachi, but no breakthrough could be made. McQuade was enjoying the freedom provided by his back line position; he broke free to set-up his midfield partner Will Palmer and bandaged Will Stephen, but the final pass to Munro was adjudged forward so the first try opportunity was lost.
It had taken Eastbourne ten minutes to venture into Cobham's half and winger Stuart Barker made a great evasive run, which needed a tackle from flanker Louis Porter to bring him down. Although Eastbourne now had the momentum, when Stephen secured the loose ball he fed it to Aujla who in turn passed it out to winger MacQuire, who ran down the line. He passed inside to ever present Penfold, who set-up Palmer to score under posts, with Stephen adding the extras (0-7).
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Although it had taken Cobham nearly twenty minutes to go ahead, expectations were raised that score would galvanise Eastbourne. The visitors then lost prop Aujla to a yellow card, resulting in Eastbourne claiming territory and possession, before coming close to drawing level. However, reprising their first try, Stephen picked up the loose ball again and fed Penfold, who allowed winger MacQuire to run into space and touch down for the try (0-12).
It only took Eastbourne minutes to eventually turn their pressure into points, as another Baker run enabled their centre to go over for a converted try (7-12). Cobham responded immediately, as full back Celebidachi collected a kick ahead, ran across field and connected with winger MacQuire to run down the line and score what would be Cobham's final points of the match (7-17).
Hugh Kennedy replaced Macquire on the wing for the second half and Cobham started strongly, before losing flanker Fielding to a yellow card. Soon after, number eight Montes went over for the hosts second try (12-17) and with the advantage of an extra man, the home side continue to apply further pressure on the Cobham defence. It’s always challenging playing a man down, but when Davison was penalised and also carded, Cobham were into rugby league territory with just one remaining back row forward.
Opting for the scrum in front of Cobham’s posts, Eastbourne drew level (17-17) which was swiftly followed by Montes second try; this bonus point score was converted and the hosts were in front for the first time (24-17).
Restored to 15, there was time for one last hurrah from Cobham, but they could not break through. When the final whistle blew, it marked not only the end of the game but for the first time this season a half when Cobham had failed to score a point. Additionally, they hadn’t previously had to play almost half a match with just 14 men.
With Vandals defeating Old Ruts, Twickenham moved to the top of the table. Cobham are at home to Trinity this Saturday (8 March), when all support will be welcome.
Cobham 1st XV Squad:
1. Chris Lippiatt (Capt.)
2. Andrew Murphy
3. Ryan Aujla
4. Luke Westgarth-Taylor
5. Gabriel Clark
6. Ollie Fielding
7. Louis Porter
8. Tom Davison
9. Rory Penfold
10. Will Stephen
11. Henry MacQuire
12. Jake McQuade
13. Will Palmer
14. Ross Munro
15. Sandro Celebidachi
Substitutes:
16. Ant Moss*
17. Micheal Osner
18. Hugh Kennedy*
Debut*
Scorers:
Tries: Macquire (2), Palmer
Conversion: Stephen
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