Sarries2009 1stXV Match Report

Seniors 1st XV - Match Report (League Fixture)
(13/02/10) Liskeard & Looe 1stXV - Away (Won 8-15)

As expected this was a fierce encounter against a confident Liskeard side determined to avenge their earlier close defeat this season. Sarries were certainly not to be outdone in desire and controlled the early brutal exhanges playing some controlled rugby.
Playing up the slight slope, their continuity was rewarded. The hungry hard working Sarries forwards drove to set up an excellent attacking ruck. Fly half Kieran Bromell kicked accurately into space which lively right wing Darren Light gathered , cleverly slipping a pass to supporting centre Sam Gooch who in turn timed a perfect pass to centre partner Matt Hilton to score in the corner. Full back Dean Chisling confidently landed the conversion from the touchline.
Liskeard then enjoyed a good spell and should have scored in the threequarters having worked a clear overlap. Despite missing this chance they maintained presure and were rewarded with a close range driving try after several well defended onslaughts. Having missed the conversion they finally took the lead when Matt Davies was harshly penalised for a high tackle on the ducking fly half.
Just before half time Sarries were culpable of missing a clear chance as scrum half Matt Abbott made a clean break to set up a clear overlap where the final pass was missed and clear chance missed.

Despite trailing 8-7 at half time the Sarries superior fitness began to tell. Dean Chisling restored the lead with a good penalty, a lead which Sarries hard working forwards and resolute backs never looked like relinquishing. With the home side reduced to 14 men after several off the ball incidents, Sam Gooch made the most of the constant supply of quality possession to break through cleanly on the blind side. Support came from tight head prop Nick Reed who timed a perfectly weighted pass for Darren Light who was already enjoying a good performance, finished the move to score in the corner to seal a deserved victory.
As a summary comment, all 18 players should take pride in this excellent team performance, noting the high work rate involved by everyone to achieve such a high standard of rugby. There is still a lot of good rugby to be played in what has already been a fantastic season. I am confident that we have a large enough squad to continue to perform well.