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As a game of three halves goes, this one wasn`t half bad. The object of the exercise was to bed in the new players and provide some insight into their interaction and it didn`t disappoint. Click here for Erja Atroshi's match photos.
Cambridge scored from the off, with Ben Patston`s instant inside break providing the opportunity for a crisp passing move to put Paul Kendall in at the corner. The debutant fly half`s decision to step right was the first of many bright moments in an encounter enlivened by a debut try, a debut yellow card, concussion and stitches for CRUFC and huge bouts of handbags from an Ealing team eager to show they have a right to be in National 2 in 2009-10. PK`s may even have been a quicker score than Luke Fielden`s for Falcons versus Saints at Twickers...
Ealing did very well. They withstood some serious pressure from the titanic Cambridge pack and showed value for their summer investment. They will doubtless finish in the top 3 of National 3 South. Cambridge, though, were at times terrific as they worked hard for each other and showed that there is a real "brothers in arms" mentality developing. It`s very difficult to do any more than mention stand-out performers from a match such as this. In the first "half", Sam Hoad stood out in the loose, along with Tom Powell. Patston`s contribution is a given, as above. Toby Berridge belied his years and relative lack of experience at this level to show skill and determination aplenty in the centre.Andy Phillips was equally conspicuous.
The second half team saw the introduction of a few more familiar faces - Chris Lombaard started and Stef Liebenberg took over at 9 from Dan Hunter half way through. Trademark quick thinking from Stef led to two tap penalties from himself, one finished in a bundle over the Ealing line. Chris Humphrey broke his nose, and 6` 8" lock Rob Hurrell endeared himself to the faithful with a visit to the bin as the forwards proved that they are in the mood to take no prisoners. Real steel has been added and when it meshes instinctively with flair,there are treats in store.
The third half ( considerably less than Big Dave had consumed as the volume level increased dramatically!) was memorable for the introduction of Darren Fox. Stitches for him, concussion for the returning Toby Berridge on an outstanding afternoon and Patston`s burgeoning partnership with Stef were highlights. Dave Archer, who played his last competitive game for Henley at WRP, landed a spectacular try from a well-worked move "round the back" and the scoreboard started to reflect the level of effort from the biggest squad Cambridge has ever seen. The game has changed and many of Saturday`s band of brothers will play a part this season - no Laws, Rudzki, Guess, Miles, Gibbs or Evans, Adam Barnard still not back from his dislocated shoulder and an immense amount of talent assembled for the big push.
Roll on Rugby on Friday and Bedford Blues on Saturday... |
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