Match report by Coach Mr Colman

The Year 11 rugby team, supported by 3 Year 10 players, travelled to Rushden and Higham RUFC on Thursday 27 April to play Wollaston School in the County Cup Final. The team are current holders of the county cup and were keen to retain their crown and this became evident direct from the kick off where Vinnie M chased the kick off, gathered the ball and run in for a try under the posts which Monty M converted to make it 7-0 within the first minute; a dream start.

Reality soon kicked in as CCS made several unforced errors to allow Wollaston to progress up the pitch. CCS worked hard in defence with the back 3 of Alfie E, Dan G and Matt P keeping the wings secure and forcing Wollaston to go the direct route, however the pressure eventually told with Wollaston crashing over through their strong Number 8. 7-7. 

CCS found it difficult to maintain possession and gain territory following the re-start and gifted Wollaston their second try to make it 7-14. The CCS forwards eventually managed to string several phases together, with strong carries from Toby A and Reuben K and excellent support play from Monty M, Tudor C, Loki C, Harry B and Isaac M ensuring that the ball was recycled quickly for Josh T who found the ever alert Max M, and he rampaged over the line to make it 14-12. Vinnie slotted the conversion on the stroke of half time to make the score 14-14.  

CCS knew they had the wind with them in the second half and the game strategy was agreed; play the game in their 22m area. Sometimes plans don't always work! Wollaston started the half very strongly and the "plan" was momentarily put on the back burner as CCS reverted to defensive duties. CCS had to show resilience and determination to once again come from behind. The midfield trio of Vinnie M, Harley M and Dylan C worked their socks off in attack and in defence, however the opposition crashed through once more to make the score 21-14. Lesser teams might have capitulated at this point, however this team began playing the territory game. CCS had a try disallowed but still they maintained composure. The game was now "one way traffic" with CCS repeatedly threatening the opposition try line. Their perseverance was finally rewarded with Reuben K rumbling through their pack, bouncing players off and grounding the ball under the posts. The conversion was missed, meaning CCS were two points behind (21-19) with 10 minutes on the clock. Second half wingers, Greg P and Jacob L picked up in defence where Alfie E and Matt P had left off, stopping Wollaston running around the CCS flanks. Ethan D made a late crash ball attempt for the try line but wasn't able to ground it. The clock was running down. Isaac M continued to instil belief in his team-mates, leading from the front and maintaining possession up front. When the pressure was on, up stepped Vinnie M who had stepped in at Number 10, received a slick pass from Josh T and took on the Wollaston entire back line, crossing over to put CCS ahead 26-21. Wollaston were not finished yet and attacked with venom. The CCS team defended as one, repelling attack after attack. With 1 minute on the clock, CCS had to defend a lineout on their own 5m line. This was the opportunity Wollaston had been waiting for but Max M put in 2 magnificent hits on ball carrying players, eventually forcing the mistake and therefore the final whistle blew.

A great effort from every player involved and a special mention to injured player Harry W who helped organise the team and keep up team morale throughout the game.

Final Score - CCS 26 - 21 

Player of the Match:- Vinnie M