[2nd Team cup]

Final score: CAT II - 47, Calne II – 10
Halftime Score: CAT II – 35, Calne II – 0

Calne: 1. Rob Bell, 2. Steve Jacket (1 pen, 1 con), 3. Jason Dolman (capt.), 4. Colin Grundy, 5. John Strange, 6. Rod Woolford, 7. Ben Gray, 8. Martin Phair, 9. Andrew Bowers, 10. Mike Smith, 11. Matt Snell, 12. Alan Henley, 13. Vince Treen, 14. Mike Burden (1 try), 15. Mat Riches.

Half-backs prop up cup tie

Calne’s 2nd team set another milestone in their reformation, last Saturday. Their trip to Melksham marked the first time in 4 years that a 2nd team has played on two consecutive weekends. But the real bonus for the club is that on both these occasions the club’s first team has been in action at the same time.

Travelling with a bare 15 men, with only one recognised front rower and having to face a strong looking Cooper Avon, who’s 1st VX were not in action, Calne’s second string looked likely to be on the receiving end of a thumping. Also the two teams met six weeks ago, when Calne travelled with just 10 players to receive a massive 67-17 hammering.

Veteran fly-half, Rob Bell, and his scrum half, half back partner Steve Jacket stood up and volunteered for front row duties. Despite neither playing in a contested scrum before, both declined the offer of uncontested scrums and did their utmost to make a real contest of the tie.

Calne held out for a full 15 minutes before Cooper Avon found their first breakthrough. Matt Snell intercepted twice and got himself in the faces of Cooper’s backline to disrupt their early supply of ball, but inevitably Cooper started to build phases and take control of the game. Once the whitewash was first crossed, Cooper Avon continued to build pressure and a steady flow of points was their reward.

The second half was very different however. Calne restarted with renewed vigour and as players became more familiar with their defensive responsibilities, Calne managed to play some exciting counter-attacking rugby.

Alan Henley’s manful tackling display frustrated Cooper Avon, as the winger turn inside centre put in his best ever display in a Calne shirt. And it was from one of Henley’s attacking opportunities that Calne’s solitary try was manufactured. Henley shaped to kick, whist on a wide running arch, and sold the extravagant dummy to the entire Cooper Avon three quarters. Only a last ditch tackle thwarted the run and two phases later Mike Burden burst on to the ball and showed an electric turn of pace to score a classic winger try in the corner. New hooker, Steve Jacket, converted the impossible touchline kick.

New recruits John Strange and Andrew Bowers both made impressive debuts. With Blowers pushing Henley very closely for man of the match plaudits. Captain, Jason Dolman, and his men will be asked to set another milestone next week as the 2nd team look to honour their third game in a row against Westbury’s own 2nd team. As always new players of all abilities and experience are welcome, and needed, to join the club and bolster both teams. Please see the club’s website for more details, www.calnerfc.co.uk.

Final Score. Cooper Avon II 47 Calne II 10

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