Saturday (4 February) saw Cobham’s 1st XV make the trip to Belsize Park RFC for their rescheduled game against the most central rugby club in London. The opposition play their matches in Regent's Park, meaning Belsize Park are able to field eight adult teams from over 380 players; it makes them one of the largest and most widely toured amateur clubs in the world.
Whilst Cobham cannot mirror those sort of playing numbers, the competition being generated from the Cobham 2nd XV squad is providing Director of Rugby, Steve Pope with the ability to provide opportunities to younger players when gaps arise due to injury or non-availability.
Indeed, the visitors gave debuts to hooker Andy Muirhead and back row forward Kade Bird, while there were returns to squad for Luke Bliss, Luke Westgarth-Taylor, Yanni Loizias and Fin Savill.
In an entertaining game, Max Macdonald scored twice, putting him on 99 tries for the 1st XV, and there was a debut try for Muirhead. Captain Ryan Saunders scored once again in this bonus point victory, as Will Stephen took on the kicking duties, following the injury last week to Tom Farrelly, and he added three conversions to the total. Final score 11-26.
A win that ensures Cobham retain second place in the league with this their eleventh successive league victory. They now top the league for the lowest number of points conceded in away matches.
Belsize Park travel to Cobham on Saturday (11 February) looking to avenge this defeat, as the season enters the final stages with just six fixtures remaining.
Cobham 1st XV Squad:-
1. Chris Lippiatt
2. Andy Muirhead
3. Ryan Aujla
4. Luke Bliss
5. Joe Goddard
6. Luke Westgarth-Taylor
7. Ollie Fielding
8. Doug Rodman
9. Ryan Saunders (Capt.)
10. Will Stephen
11. Max MacDonald
12. George Sanderson
13. Yanni Loizias
14. Ollie Horton
15. Dan Allchurch
Substitutes:
16. Ciaran Lee
17. Kade Bird
18. Fin Savill
Scorers:
Tries: MacDonald (2), Saunders, Muirhead
Conversions: Stephen 3
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