Cranleigh secure back-to-back home league victories

With another heavy pitch to deal with for both sides, it was never going to be the fast open game we would all like to see.

But the effort from both the hosts and Old Wimbledonians however was commendable.

From the start the Cranes looked the much better side in the conditions and they made several sorties into Wimbledonians’ territory.

They dominated the first four scrums and, after eight minutes, put together a classic try.

An excellent break by fly half Brendan Taylor released Greg Cushing who then got the ball out to winger Charlie Treasure who outpaced the opposition, to score under the posts. This was duly converted.

Old Wimbledonians fought back and Cranleigh made it easier for them by conceding three offsides in quick succession but, as in previous weeks, their defence was sound.

Then, after a well executed line out, the Cranes drove to Wimbledonians’ line and after several drives, eventually released the ball to Cushing who scored and converted his own try leaving the score at half-time 14-0.

The first 20 minutes of the second half was a scrappy affair with Cranleigh getting turned over too many times in the maul and ruck.

But Old Wimbledonians were not able to make any move that would challenge the Cranes defence.

Cranleigh should have scored twice but the final pass never went the right way.

The last 15 minutes got a bit frantic and, not surprisingly, both sides looked tired on the heavy ground.

The Cranes replaced Ben Terson and George Steere who got knocks.

The two season debutant who replaced them, Jake Tetley and George Wheeler, equipped themselves very well.

The full-time whistle brought a very welcome win for the Cranes which keeps them fourth in the table.

Cranleigh hope they can keep this team together when they travel to promotion-chasing Old Rutlishians next Saturday.