match report
A Good Start
Saturday saw the opening game of the season for Southend as they embarked on this seasons National Division Two mission. The Seasiders played host to the Cornish All Blacks, previously named Launceston, who had travelled up from the South West to Warners Bridge.
Both teams appeared evenly matched for the first fifteen minutes with both sides fresh and committed. Solid defence failed to allow players from either side through to gain the points. It was Southend, however, who put the first points on the board with a try from winger, Mark Billings. A burst through the All Blacks’ line by flanker, Jamie Connors, followed by a well timed pass outside gave Billings ample space to dummy, sidestep and cross the line for five points. A slice across the posts by Andrew Frost failed to bring in the additional two points for the conversion leaving the score at 5:0.
An infringement at a ruck from Southend in their own twenty two allowed the All Blacks’ to take three points for a penalty courtesy of fly half, Adam Staniforth to bring the score to 5:3.
The visitors soon overtook Southend with a try 15 metres in from the touchline. A 5 metre scrum was secured by the All Blacks before spinning the ball out, drawing it back in and sliding the ball across the line. Flanker, Sam Hocking was responsible for both the try and conversion to bring the them seven points. With the score at 5:10 Southend needed to regain control of the game to stop it slipping away.
Following an All Blacks’ penalty taken by Staniforth, the visitors crossed the line again for a second try. Number 8, Myerscough grounded the ball from a forwards effort on the Southend line. Staniforth again kicked the conversion to extend their lead to 5:20 before half time.
Southend came out fighting in the second half and made a much needed impression on the match. Full back, Andrew Frost, took three points for a penalty in front of the posts. Despite a try from All Blacks’ replacement, Lord, the Seasiders remained focused and brought in their second try of the game thanks to Daniel Cleare, with the conversion from Frost.
Southend’s third try by Timothy Stannard narrowed the gap to 20 – 25 and they were back in the running but when the All Blacks made a quick dash for the line Southend appeared to stand and watch whilst they added their last try of the game.
In the final minute of play with Southend 10 points behind they were awarded a penalty. Ben McKeith with a huge kick from the half way line made certain of the 3 points to bring the score to 23:30 putting the Seasiders within seven points, securing a bonus point as the whistle blew.
Match Stats
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