County Cup Quarter Final - Tuesday 23 January

CCS took a full Year 11 squad to Sponne for the much anticipated County Cup fixture in miserable weather conditions. The game plan from the off was to keep it tight with forwards aiming to carry hard and take on the opposition forwards. This quickly went out of the window as, after several strong carries, the backs spread it wide with accurate passing and got the ball to Zac P on the left wing, who touched down in the corner! Expansive stuff in wet and windy conditions. Monty L converted from the touch line to make the score 0-7 to the away side after 3 minutes of play. 

This set the tone for the first half. CCS had the advantage of the wind and slope and made sure it counted with Louis S scoring. CCS maintained the pressure and played rugby in the Sponne half. An attacking scrum and pick up from Harry B set up a good field position for Max M to take the ball on and score under the posts to make the resulting conversion easy for Monty. CCS were now 19 points up with 20 minutes gone. With confidence growing, the players carried hard and tackled brilliantly. Just before the half time break, Monty crashed over and converted again to make the score 0-26 at half time. 

The second half was an attritional affair. CCS battled the wind and slope but played smart rugby, trying to keep possession as much as possible with superb carries from a selection of the forwards and incisive running from the backs. The captain for the day, Monty, crashed over to increase the lead to 33 points. Sponne then adapted their tactics, taking advantage of the wind and resorted to a kicking game, pushing CCS back into their own half for long periods. CCS defended well as a collective but eventually conceded a try in the corner from a kick, chase. This helped to refocus the team, and they maintained possession of the rugby ball within numerous phases, eventually leading to a fantastic team try, finished off by Harry B. Max N completed the victory by touching down with one of the last plays of the game, concluding a really impressive performance from the whole squad. Final score:- Sponne 5- CCS 43.

Lovell E, making his debut, was a deserved Man of the Match following several excellent tackles and superb counter attacking play throughout the game.

Well done to all involved, and we look forward to Moulton in the Semi Final.