Despite the notable absences of Rich Langbridge, Marc Blackford, Josh Griffin, Matt Hurdle and Marc Stubbs from the successful team of recent weeks, the match day 18 was strong, highlighting the strength in depth that has been a key to this season's success. Jack Flounders turned an ankle in the warm-up so Mike Simmonds took his place in the starting lineup and Team Manager Chris Barton put his boots on to sit on the bench.

The game itself was as strongly contested as the return fixture at the Memorial Ground and Cryptians managed only two penalties from the boot of Tom Barnes, despite dominating possession and territory in the first half. Gareth Flounders spilled the ball in the act of scoring and Callum Drury butchered the simplest of three-on-one overlaps by passing at Ash Bawden's feet after making a scintillating break.

Ross had one opportunity in the first half and duly scored a well-taken try wide out. The conversion was missed and Cryptians held the narrowest of half-time leads.

HALF TIME - ROSS-ON-WYE 5 - 6 OLD CRYPTIANS

The second half saw Cryptians start to assert forward dominance, resulting in skipper Chris Price racing in from 20 centimetres and Rob Trigg being the benefactor from a 5 metre pushover, set up by the unselfish Mike Simmonds.

I was sure Rich Howell converted both of these tries from under the posts...but the RFU has given the Final score as 5-18, so he must have missed one!

Best wishes to veteran Rob Stokes who tore an achilles in the game and had to be substituted, and to Rich Howell who managed to finish the game despite lengthy treatment for what appeared to be a multiple fracture of his ankle.

Great win, great season, great champions!

DEUS ANIMIS BENEDICAT

Old Cryptians RFC

Match details

Match date

Kickoff

Meet time

Location

Competition

Team Sponsors

Login