Ten-try Cobham make it nine wins in a row

10 minutes ago4 min read

Having lost away to Hove earlier in the season when Cobham had not found their rhythm, they will have been relishing the prospect of this home fixture following their eight-try win against Haywards Heath last time out. Not only did Cobham redeem themselves, but they scored ten tries into the bargain and continued to defend their line throughout, allowing the opposition to register just one try.

Many congratulations to Andrew Murphy on his 100th first team cap.

From Cobham's kick-off the pace was frenetic for the first six minutes and Hove were given no respite as the hosts launched countless attacks. However, the fact Cobham did not cross the line is a testament to Hove's defence. Seven minutes in and a dropout from under the Hove posts found its way to full back Jordan Bond, who started a weaving run from his own half that eventually saw him running down the touchline to set-up wing Taylor Burnett with an overhead pass for an unconverted try (5-0).

The visitors now had an opportunity to run the ball and for the next ten minutes they enjoyed possession and territory. It was from a Cobham scrum that Penfold sent the ball down the back line. Bond advanced 40 metres, fed winger Munro and although he was held-up, Ollie Fielding was on hand to go over for a try that Dellapina converted (12-0).

The next try came within minutes of the kick-off after Porter collected. After Davison and Porter had gained some ground, Penfold set-up centre Fin Savill who broke through. He popped the ball up to Bond who kicked ahead, which Savill collected to score the third try of the afternoon (19-0).

For Hove it must have felt that every time Cobham had possession they were going to score. From the next restart, centre Will Palmer broke through to set-up Penfold. Although he could not make headway, from a subsequent quick lineout from Davison, Bond once again created space which Penfold took before teeing up Fielding for his second and the bonus point score. Dellapina slotted over the extras to make it 26-0 after 23 minutes.

Cobham lost prop Ben Joyce to injury soon after and was replaced by Ryan Aujla. As Hove laid siege to the Cobham line, Davison received a yellow card. Eventually the extra man advantage told, and Hove went over in the corner to get themselves on the scoreboard (26-5). Hove maintained the pressure for the next ten minutes but within seconds of Davison returning to the field, he popped up to claim the next score for the home side that made it 31-5 at the halfway stage.

Wanting to ensure that they maintained the pressure Cobham achieved their next try soon into the second half as Bond scored in corner (36-5). Hove had their chances but as we have seen in recent games, Cobham now have a defence that can withstand attacking runs and they turn the ball over to their advantage. Cobham's next try was probably their best of the afternoon as they took the ball wide, with Bond looking to provide Burnett with his second try. It was from a Lippiatt drive that the ball was set-up Davison to score again, with Dellapina adding the extras (43-5).

Penfold, now looking for his record-breaking 20th try of the season, must have thought he had it in his sights only to knock-on. From the subsequent interactions Fin Savill made a stunning break and inside pass to Porter, who fed Penfold to score the try he was looking for in the corner (48-5). Jordan Bond's second try came from a free kick given away by Hove at a lineout. Davison sent it wide and after Palmer made ground, the ball came to the full back who cheekily kicked over the head of the defenders to touch down and bring up 50-points (53-5).

With the clock running down, Bond picked up a pass from Munro to score his hat-trick under the posts that Dellapina easily converted and complete the scoring (60-5). This result means Cobham remain league leaders with a points difference of 316, however but only four points separate the top four teams and Old Rutlishians have a game in hand.

Although this was Cobham's ninth successive victory, two seasons ago Cobham won 12 matches on the trot. However, although they have finished top of their league three times since 2006/7, they have never put together three consecutive 50+ wins as they have this season in the last 20 years.

This Saturday (25 January) they play their postponed match against third-placed Weybridge Vandals and all support is welcome.

Cobham 1st XV Squad:-

1. Chris Lippiatt (Capt.) M/Y

2. Andrew Murphy*

3. Ben Joyce

4. Luke Westgarth-Taylor

5. Louis Porter M/Y

6. Ollie Fielding M/Y

7. Tom Davison M/Y

8. Jake McQuade M/Y

9. Rory Penfold M/Y

10. Connor Dellapina M/Y