Villagers come off second best

3:54pm Tuesday 30th September 2008

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Cranbrook 36-18 Vigo

VIGO'S unbeaten start to the season was ended in emphatic fashion by Cranbrook.

The visitors' three-quarters were decimated by injury and non-availability and Cranbrook, with a fine back line, took full advantage.

Vigo started at pace and their forwards, revelling in early season confidence, soon began to make an impression on the home side.

Within seven minutes, they were bullying their way to Cranbrook's line and David Dunn scored his sixth try of the season with yet another push over try.

Vigo had started with purpose, their forwards continuing the good work they have shown so far this season, but Cranbrook soon hit back.

The visitors made a mess of the kick-off, conceded a penalty and Cranbrook were on the attack.

Vigo's defence, still trying to adjust to the many changes forced upon them, were split open by centre Richard Williams and he went over the line, his effort converted by Chris Catt.

The visiting forwards continued to dominate, but Cranbrook's threes ruled the roost. Dan Norton knocked over a penalty to bring Vigo back to within one point, but again Cranbrook scored from the kick-off as Vigo's defence was poor.

Hamish Startin sped over and quickly added another as Vigo reeled.

Quite excellent cover defence by James Weller and Aaron King prevented further disasters before Olly Jarman sped over in the corner on the stroke of half-time.

Chris Catt added two conversions in the onslaught and Vigo were staring into the abyss at 26-8.

Further disaster struck in the opening moments of the second half.

A promising Vigo attack was halted with a dropped ball.

It was hacked forward, the bounce as ever evading defenders, and Johnny Mayall flopped gratefully on the loose ball.

Vigo regrouped, changed personnel and hit back.

Their dominant pack gave them a glimmer of hope, but not before Lee Bezoodenhuit sped over in the corner after another swift counter attack to extend the lead.

Perhaps Cranbrook, knowing the game was theirs, relaxed.

But Vigo, nonetheless, threw everything at them, forcing a ton of penalties from the home side.

Finally, Vigo scored the try they deserved.

Tom Emmitt cruised through to score which, along with a heated altercation seemed to galvanise Vigo.

Cranbrook were forced back by some astute positional kicking and from a 10m scrum, Norton picked up blind and bulldozed his way over.

Alas, apart from a brilliant late run by Emmitt, this was the end of Vigo's fightback and they were deservedly beaten by a committed Cranbrook side.