Rugby Crusaders claim bonus-point victory with late flurry of tries
DINGS came through a tough encounter with Sutton & Epsom but it was far from plain sailing for the triumphant and free-scoring hosts.
The home side never really got going until the final quarter, but managed to pull away from Sutton, who may count themselves unlucky not to get anything from this tightly-contested game.
Dings scored with their opening attack – wing Ian Clark sprinting in for a try converted by Steve Plummer. The visitors were level four minutes later when lock Andrew Ince went over from a line-out drive and centre James Bourton added the extras.
Dings were boosted by solid performances from Bristol Bears Academy quartet George Kloska, Jack Bates, Blake Boyland and James Dun, who added dynamism, enthusiasm and youthful exuberance to the home side’s game, with Bates and Dun, in particular, catching the eye with outstanding displays.
Two further Bourton penalties were separated by a magnificent solo try from Dings’ Luke Arscott. The former Bristol, Bath and Exeter Chiefs man produced a lovely show-and-go before stretching over to add Crusaders’ second try. Plummer followed suit and converted his own try to give the home side a 19-13 buffer at the break.
The visitors made a bright start to the second half and were right back in the contest when wing Stefan Cooksammy was awarded a try after a discussion by the officials to make it a one-point game on 55 minutes.
But Crusaders began to find their mojo as the half wore on, and No 8 Jake Holcombe secured the try bonus point on the hour-mark after a determined charge off the back of a five-metre scrum. Bourton added a penalty on 65 minutes, but further touchdowns from centre Marcus Brooker and new signing Will Bryan – on the flank, plus a conversion and penalty from replacement fly-half Ollie Millner, secured the spoils for Dings.
Clifton’s quest for a top-four finish this season hit the buffers after being outplayed by Taunton at Station Road on Friday night. The 36-10 victory for Titans sees the Somerset club move to the top of the National Two South table, ahead of Tonbridge Juddians, Henley and in-form Redruth, who have now won ten games in a row. Clifton are fifth, ten points behind Redruth on 72 points.
A highly-motivated Taunton side dominated territory and possession during a high-tempo first half to establish a 19-point lead at the interval.
With visiting flankers Ratu Vakalutukali and Julian Salvi prominent in attack and defence, Clifton experienced pressure in the lineout, tight exchanges and inability to get hold of the ball. However, their defence was committed and, in spite of an early try from Vakalutukali, their line was not crossed again until Salvi scored twice just before half-time.
Clifton’s Brad Barnes and Titans’ Gary Kingdom had swapped penalties, while the Taunton full-back converted two of the three tries.
Weakened by a home yellow card, the Somerset men exploited the numerical advantage in the scrum to allow Dan Lee to go over and Kingdom duly extended the lead. However, Taunton then seemed to fade and a rejuvenated Clifton, playing against the wind, enjoyed a long period of pressure with the pack stronger and backs playing an expansive game. Their only reward, however, was a try from flanker Dan Broady, converted by James Dixon.
The promotion-chasing Titans had the final say in the last play when replacement Sonny Haines went over. The dependable Kingdom completed the scoring.
Old Redcliffians’ chances of avoiding the drop were dealt another blow after falling to a 29-10 defeat at Barnes.
Reds are 13 points adrift of Westcliff and in order to survive they will need to produce a winning run of games and hope the league newcomers do the opposite.
The Brislington-based club need to start winning matches – beginning this weekend when Dings Crusaders visit Scotland Lane.
Reds started well against Barnes and took the lead with a well-struck penalty from fly-half Dominic Sprague. But Barnes hit back immediately when Harvey Scott shrugged off four tacklers to touchdown for an unconverted try.
The Londoners extended their lead when Conor Harbison raced down the line from halfway, dotting down for Barnes’ second try and followed it up a minute later with a powerful drive from the 22 which ended up under the posts with Josh Davies finishing it off.
Redcliffians needed to come out strongly in the second half to overturn a 19-point deficit but it proved to be much of the same after the break. Although they dominated the scrum, poor handling and unforced errors meant the away side were unable to capitalise. Barnes showed considerable resolve in defence, withstanding wave after wave of attack for much of the second half. Old Reds grabbed a consolation try with five minutes left when centre Matt Baker strolled in, but Barnes finished with a flourish when Jamie Collins secured the bonus point fromthe final play of the game.