Tries: George Lee (1), James Palmer (1).

Conversions: George Lee (2).

Two encounters last season with South Woodham Ferrars had resulted in a home win for Cambridge (15:7) and before that a home win for Ferrars (31:0), the latter match played on a muddy rain-soaked pitch in deepest Essex. Today’s conditions could not have been more different, with West’s Renault Park bathed in brilliant sunshine, with a sharp breeze and the ground underfoot firm.

         South Woodham Ferrars kicked off with the wind and into the sun. Cambridge took the ball, and a bad tackle from Ferrars (lifting up a Cambridge player) resulted in them being penalised. Cambridge gained the upper hand for these first few minutes, with some good kicking, passing and scrummaging, encroaching into Ferrars’ half. However Ferrars broke back with a strong run into Cambridge’s half. From then on, the balance tilted in Ferrars’ favour, and despite some vigorous defence from Cambridge, Ferrars ran in a try, which they converted (0:7), soon followed by another try, unconverted (0:12). Ferrars continued to dominate the remainder of the first half, scoring another unconverted try (0:17).

         Cambridge kicked off for the second half, regained possession, and fought their way close to Ferrars’ try line. The ensuing ruck went to Ferrars, but the ball was soon retaken by Cambridge and a sequence of aerial ping-pong exchanges followed. An infringement by Ferrars gave the ball to full back George Lee, who kicked to touch. Cambridge won the lineout, with a catch and drive. A scrum on Ferrars’ 22 went to Cambridge. The ball came out to the backs, with George Lee coming up into the line. George took the ball and with a strong run broke through Ferrars’ defence to score a try, which he ably converted (7:17).

After the restart Cambridge kept up the pressure, with good tackling from Cambridge keeping Ferrars at bay. A well-aimed kick from scrum half Hamish Pottinger deep into the corner earned a lineout close to Ferrars’ try line. Ferrars cleared to touch but made little ground. Cambridge had the throw-in and won the lineout, with a catch and drive. The ball came out and a clever reverse pass from fly-half Mike Green was neatly taken by number 8 Tom Pettit, whose run was stopped by Ferrars just short of the try line. A scrum ensued; Ferrars’ clearing kick to touch made no ground. Cambridge had the lineout throw-in, but were penalised. The ensuing scrum went to Ferrars who hooked the ball, which on emerging was stolen by Hamish Pottinger. A ruck ensued, followed by a scrum to Cambridge close to Ferrars’ try line. Tom Pettit picked up, but Ferrars were penalised for being offside. The ball went to Cambridge, a ruck formed, and James Palmer forced his way over for a try, converted by George Lee (14:17).

Now, Cambridge’s supporters were daring to feel hopeful. One more try was needed to take us into the lead. But it was not to be. Despite Cambridge’s efforts, Ferrars succeeded in scoring one more unconverted try, sealing the match (final score 14:22).

Keri Carpenter