Skilful Pass try goes unrewarded in defeat
SCHOOL RUGBY: ANCHORIANS AYLESFORD
Cranbrook School’s 1st XV beat Sevenoaks 13-7 in their opening game of the season. Strong carries from playerof-the-match Tom Battson and Kieran McGowan took Cranbrook into opposition territory and they went 6-0 up through two Digby Atherton penalties. The home side extended their lead when Charlie Russel-Vick moved the ball sharply to Will Simpson, whose dummy freed captain George Ankjaer for a try under the Ben Pass’ superb footballing skills were not enough to get Aylesford’s London 3 South East campaign off the ground at Gillingham Anchorians.
The Bulls hooker booted a loose ball from halfway and won the foot race to dot down in the corner.
The score was the culmination of a sustained period of pressure, with a fresh-faced Bulls backline beginning to look threatening and flanker Phil Wilkins making life difficult for the opposition.
Anchs’ opportunities were limited but they made the most of the little ball they were allowed, eventually crossing for 5- 5.
Bulls fought back and made the most of their dominant pack, with Pete Webdale scoring from the back of a driving maul in a carbon copy of last week’s opener against Sheppey. His try was converted for a 12-5 lead.
Anchs continued to counter well, scoring once more to level again.
But things were about to take a turn for the worse for Bulls as injuries and a yellow card for the ever-physical Ben Turner saw them lose focus.
A dangerous Anchs back line made the visitors pay and soon they were up thanks to a John Mann penalty.
Bulls’ heads dropped and despite some hard tackling, with Darren Kistner spending most of his return from injury putting his body straight back on the line, Anchs ran in two late tries. Aylesford Bulls: Wood, Ingram, Kistner, Shardlow-Wrest, Gilchrist, Proctor, Carmillet; McConnell, Pass, Jalink ( c), Bonwick, O’Doherty, Turner, Wilkins, Webdale. Replacements: Merlini, Corbett.
Aylesford Ladies 42-3 at Bristol in Women’s Premiership Sunday.
Bulls took the lead from a penalty as coach Catherine Spencer returned to her old club but Bristol were 7-3 up by half-time.
The visitors were physical but Bristol took control and pulled clear in the second half.
Bulls, who have relocated to Surrey Sports Park after joining forces with Harlequins, meet Darlington in their first home game on Sunday. lost the on