CMU Rugby Club Back In Contention
By : Pat Cotter
Unfortunately not being able to field a team because of exams, the TNSU CMI forfeited their game, to give league leaders Lanna Rugby Club 4 points to solidify their spot on top of the league table.
Despite that setback the Payap Rugby Club side, although depleted with injuries to key players and again, others unavailable due to exams, were chomping at the bit for their game against CMU Rugby. A bonus point win for CMU would see them back in contention for a top two finish with three games to go. Payap on the other hand wanted the win to nail down second spot and a potential place in the season ending final.
Payap, who were fielding a couple of the Lanna team’s fringe players, to help fill out the ranks, received the kick off and immediately attacked down the middle of the park only to be turned over and having to quickly back peddle from a swift CMU counter attack.
The competition at the breakdown was ferocious and resulted in the ball being turned over both ways, producing a fast counterattacking running game. Both teams had their chances early on before CMU took a deserved lead when Jed went in for the first try of the day.
From the restart Payap eagerly attacked down the flanks moving the ball slickly through the hands and looked to be heading for an equalizing score when Tom Stubley broke through but was hauled down with the try line begging, and when the resulting ball was intercepted by CMU, they raced into the Payap 22 and set up the platform for Piri to barge over and extend their lead as the whistle sounded for the break.
Payap were under pressure from the faster CMU players and could easily have fallen further behind but resolute defense and quick turnover ball saw them strike into the heart of CMU territory where, after some grueling work by the forwards, Dtun saw his chance and went down the blind side before doubling back inside his marker to cut the deficit.
The score gave heart to Payap and they charged forwards at the restart to claim the ball and again using the muscle up front made inroads against the CMU team. From a ruck 10 meters out the ball went first to the left before being switched back to the right which saw Prop James go in unopposed at the corner to level the scores. No further score before the end of the half saw the teams all square on 10-10.
Sustained pressure after the restart from Payap almost paid dividends but they were held up short and another turnover from the breakdown saw CMU break up field and Jed scored his second to give them the edge. Payap were down but not out and immediately from the kick off got back into contention when Rowan Carroll claimed the restart which set the backs in motion for them to score and level the game up. Great end to end stuff. 15-15.
The heat and lack of substitutes began to take its toll on Payap and late tries by Dom and a second try of the day for Piri sealed the win 25-15 for CMU in what was an entertaining and refreshing encounter. Both teams now have work to do if they want to make the Final on December 12th with Payap still having their destiny in their own hands.
Lanna Cubs Youth Development
The Lanna Cubs youth training was held before the main games kicked off with the kids’ skills and knowledge of the game coming along nicely. Once again Tom and Lanna captain Dave put the kids through their paces and after the session was done the kids hung around to watch how the big boys went.
Training is held every Saturday more information can be found at Lanna Rugby Club
