2nd XV match report vs Marlborough

Score: L 0-29

POTM: Freddie Pearce

Special Mentions: Sam McGrath, Oscar Linekar-Bennett, Arthur Keen

It was a tough first outing for the 2nd XV against a well-organized Marlborough side that included some strong ball carriers that at times we struggled to contain. Canford got off to the worst possible start, conceding a try in the first couple of minutes that set the pattern for things to come. Turning the ball over in midfield having secured a good platform from the kickoff, Marlborough retained the ball well for several phases before powering over from close range. As the game progressed it became clear that when the opposition entered our 22 we had trouble stemming the tide and keeping them out, and a key lesson for future weeks is to be less passive in the tackle, putting pressure back on to the opposition. Marlborough scored two more tries in the first half, whilst the boys in blue struggled to build momentum or get into the opposition half, with one notable exception being Oscar Linekar-Bennet who countered well from full back, and provided a strong last line of defence.

In the 2nd half we did well to restrict Marlborough to two tries, with POTM Freddie Pearce and Sam McGrath in the back row tackling and jackaling with real intensity, alongside Arthur Keen who made a positive impact from the bench. and began to find some shape in our attack, but without making dents or threatening the opposition line. There is plenty to work on, including working out how to get in behind the opposition and incorporating a kicking game that can help us play in the right part of the field. That said, the attitude of the boys was good – they never gave up and they made Marlborough work in the second half.