Best of the season as Cranleigh overcome Kingston

The Cranes, eighth in the table after this win, set the tone in the first minute, when from a Kingston knock-on, they moved the ball down the line to give left wing Aaron Beecroft the space to burn past his opposite number to score the opening try. Full back Curtis Beecroft converted for an immediate 7-0 lead.

It was an even contest in the set piece, but Cranleigh looked sharp with and without the ball, Kingston’s attacks were stifled and Cranleigh’s runners made significant gains, as Curtis Beecroft slotted a penalty for a 10-0 lead despite losing Pete Barraud to the sin bin.

Kingston were unable to establish themselves in Cranleigh territory and soon the hosts added another try as good passing allowed centre James Moore to make a half break before offloading to Curtis Beecroft who drew the last man before releasing Aaron Beecroft who outstripped the defence again to score out wide. That 15-0 lead was soon built-on as a Kingston line out in their 22 was snaffled expertly by Cranleigh number 8 Dan Wilkie who burst through before offloading brilliantly to flanker Christian Morris who battered his way through numerous tacklers to score a great try converted by Curtis Beecroft.

On his return, Barraud made amends by crashing over from close range to put Cranleigh 27-0 ahead at the break - the only threat to the clean sheet being a failed penalty attempt.

Kingston came flying out of the traps in the second half, desperate to get an early score on the board. They were met by a solid wall of Cranleigh resistance who refused to yield with both Morris brothers forcing turnovers with some excellent tackiling.

Replacements Jake and Russ Shayler refreshed the front and back rows while Steve Bosel continued the solid work of Tim Bargman at scrum half. Kingston kept coming but Cranleigh kept their heads and turned over Kingston’s

scrummage and lineout to win back the ball and relieve the pressure.

As the game entered is final passages good work from Morris sparked a move which saw Will Jones finish well in the corner, before Curtis Beecroft provided a final flourish when he fielded a clearance kick, rounded two would-be tackles and then coasted home for a fine individual score, which he then converted.