Cambridge Colts 14 – Wymondham Colts 22
The hour before the Wymondham match felt like a very nervous version of Christmas Day. Everyone was excited but also not sure exactly what was in the present they were going to unwrap. Colts started strong with 10 minutes camped in Wymondham’s 22 and plenty of possession, and when Wymondham moved to the attack Colts defended with such heart and co-ordination that the match spent 20 minutes effectively deadlocked.
Finally Cambridge got a break through a line out on Wymondham’s 5 meter line and a massive carry from Ollie to touch down after 30 minutes of play. Will then calmly nailed a very tricky conversion and the Colts really went after Wymondham, with a multi player carry five minutes later delivering the next try (which I think was Ed Wood at the bottom of the pile but I’m happy to be corrected).
Cambridge tails were up as we went into half time, and the focus on doing the small things right and keeping structure was paying off.
But after the break it looked like Wymondham were also thinking about details and better structure. With the wind in their favour their kicking to find space was much improved and they began to look pretty dangerous. Colts defence held up really well and every time we got possession and our attacking game held together brilliantly – Jude, Lucas, Will, Austin were all carrying like champs and moving the ball across the field to really test defences. Idris also was dangerous every time he touched the ball.
All the same eventually the opposition broke through our defence leaving Adam S to make an amazing effort to hold up their player and prevent a try. Still it was evidence of their ability to do real damage with their kicking game and five minutes later, a kick onto one of their wings, open space on edge and they came back with their first score.Cambridge kept their heads, kept up the attack and spent a lot of time in Wymondham’s half, surviving a couple more set piece attacks with their line outs being a particular weapon. Eventually though a repeat of the first try offered itself and the opposition levelled the score at 14-14.
Before the match Stef had told the lads that we always knew this would be a battle well into the second half and this began to sound like a prophecy. Wymondham had momentum now and a yellow card for Cambridge put us well on the back foot. They piled on the pressure, winning a scrum penalty just outside our 22 and the penalty kick put them clear for the first time. But Cambridge didn’t falter, another attack came together, more time in Wymondham’s half, but in the end the opposition defence held up and a final try five minutes later put the game out of reach for CRUFC.
Spectators were left to reflect on a great match where Cambridge did all they could and battled right to the end. On another day the momentum might have swung the other way. There are some sad faces and bruised bodies out there but all the Colts should reflect on a great season: playing 22 matches, winning 17, and beating some real good teams. The work that the lads have put in all season has created a team with great skills, great commitment and real grit and they’ve played some rugby to be proud of.