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Dream ends for Vigo
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| Vigo's Luke Spiers in action against Cranbrook. KELLY ACKARY. |
Cranbrook 25-6 Vigo
VIGO'S hopes of promotion were destroyed on Saturday when a committed Cranbrook side ran in four tries and snatched the runner-up spot on points difference.
The visitors were simply overcome with nerves and the home side exacted ample revenge for an early season heavy defeat at Swanswood.
Roared on by two large contingents of supporters, Cranbrook exerted early pressure and although Vigo enjoyed some early success in the scrum, Cranbrook's defenders tackled with great zeal.
As heavy rain began to fall, Vigo were pushed back but tackled equally well until disaster struck when they conceded the early try they feared.
A lineout close to Vigo's line was caught by Cranbrook and a drive was set up.
In a melee of bodies, tight head prop Ollie Smith emerged with the ball to score.
Vigo attempted to hit back but all too often, the all too apparent nerves made them snatch at passes and their dangerous threes were blunted.
Cranbrook were inspired and the tackles were coming in hard and fast, forcing Vigo onto the back foot.
Number eight Seema kept Vigo fully occupied with some strong surges, but gradually Vigo worked themselves back downfield.
Jamie Caton nearly broke clear on two occasions, but outstanding cover defence kept the flying winger at bay.
Conceding a handful of penalties on the line, Cranbrook possibly could have conceded a penalty try but they rode their luck and Vigo lost patience of getting anything from the referee, allowing Dan Norton to cut the lead with a penalty.
Encouraged, Vigo continued to attack but still could not find the fluidity of passing needed to break open a stalwart defence.
However, the ball broke loose and James Weller calmly dropped his first ever drop goal to give Vigo the narrowest of leads at half-time.
The second half saw Cranbrook take control right from the outset.
Their pack turned in an inspired performance, urged on by an excellent scrum half in Terry Byrne.
Left wing Neil Church crashed over in the corner as Vigo's defence went to sleep to regain the lead.
Back came Vigo and a superb rolling maul ate into Cranbrook's territory.
Out came the ball with Vigo's threes aligned hungrily, but Cranbrook's rush defence forced the otherwise outstanding Stuart Spiers into a delicate chip kick looking for unguarded space.
Byrne charged the ball down, hacked forward and won the race for the line with Vigo's threes all up in attack.
Chris Catt converted and Cranbrook's confidence soared.
Vigo knew they could actually afford to lose by less than 12 points, but were caught between going for a win or clamping down.
Catt kicked another penalty before another superb kick by Byrne caught the visiting defence flatfooted and Lee Bezuidehout raced through to nail down the coffin lid on Vigo's hopes.
1:47pm Tuesday 15th April 2008
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