PILGRIMS GO TOP

CANTERBURY PILGRIMS 76 CRANBROOK 0

by John Mitchell

This runaway success, which produced twelve unanswered tries, took Pilgrims to the top of the Counties 1 Kent table as they made it three wins from three A good start saw full back Jack Weaver live up to his name as he shredded the defence for the first of his four tries, converted by Tom McMann, and the Weaver/McMann combination repeated the dose minutes later. Cranbrook exerted pressure and one thought they might get back into the game, but Brandon Dunkerley crashed through, Alex Evans picked up to score and that was quickly followed by Weaver’s hat trick touchdown. Tom Halliday was next on the list after fine work by the backs, with McMann converting, and before half time Cranbrook had cracked again. McMann lost his 100 per cent goal kicking record when Adrian Geddes scored wide out but at the break Pilgrims were 40 points clear. The second half started with a yellow card to Cranbrook for a high tackle but for 20 minutes the visitors held firm and their half time team talk obviously helped. But then ‘iron man’ Luke Webber made a decisive run which set up Gus Lister’s try. The wingman got his second soon after, taking a pass from Geddes and selling a sublime dummy and with McMann adding the extras Pilgrims were now past the 50 mark. We were watching some of the best off loading and unselfish passing we have seen for years. Tom Mackenzie, who had an awesome game, got the ball to scrum half Hector Valldares for the next try but a yellow card for Webber meant a period was spent in defence. That ended when Lister stole a ball in his own 22 area and Halliday’s perfect cross kick saw Weaver gather and sprint home for his fourth try. There were till two scores to come, Sony Trew-Neville and Valldares combining from half way for the scrum half to touch down, and finally a great 30 metre burst by impressive captain Alex Evans, both tries converted, rounded off a superb team performance. Jake Dengate received the supporters ‘Man of the Match’ award but it was a great all-round effort. Next week Pilgrims travel to Heathfield and Waldron in Sussex. There is room on the bus if anyone would like to come and support this exciting young squad.