Pulborough secure elusive first away win of the season at Cranbrook

Pulborough tasted victory on the road for the first time this season on Saturday as they overcame Cranbrook 17-10 in London 3 South East.
Pulborough RFC V Eastbourne RFC 23/1/16 (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-160124-103303008Pulborough RFC V Eastbourne RFC 23/1/16 (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-160124-103303008
Pulborough RFC V Eastbourne RFC 23/1/16 (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-160124-103303008

Simon Burfiend’s side had not managed to notch a win on their travels in 13 attempts before finally clinching the elusive feat at the weekend.

They led 10-0 at the break thanks to a converted drive-over try from Andy Hodkins and a late penalty from Frazer Oliphant-Hope in a half they dominated.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The second half was a much more even affair and Cranbrook edged back into the game as they bundled over their first score of the afternoon. Pulborough, led by a man-of-the-match display from their captain and fine showing from Richard Nicholls, scored again with ten minutes left as scrum-half Ollie Paige darted over.

And although Cranbrook did scored a second late consolation try, the visitors saw out the victory.

Burfiend said: “Having missed the last few weeks due to weather, everyone was very excited to finally get back out on the pitch. We had one of our best weeks of training prior to Saturday, and slightly changed things around pre-match with coach Clayton Saunders.

“We looked to play a fast-paced game, however they defended very well with their back row getting over the ball and slowing things down very quickly.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It was nice to see that with a near full-strength forward pack we dominated during the scrum and scored both our tries from a powerful driving scrum which hasn’t happened for a while.

“Although we had a great first win away against Cranbrook we are not getting complacent and know that any away match is going to be tough in this league.

“However, there is a real buzz around the club at the moment and we will look to carry this momentum into Saturday (against bottom of the table Uckfield).”