Trinity 15 Cobham 43
Match report by GERRY MURPHY

Trinity took the field in the knowledge that they would face a severe test against high-flying Cobham. Some key players were missing but the replacements had their chance to make a mark.

Cobham started with some slick handling and Mids defended well, forcing them to kick long. Unfortunately, the return kick flew directly into touch in the awkward crosswind, and the visitors took full advantage of the ground gained to win the line out and spread the ball well and score after only 2 minutes. The conversion was missed but they quickly increased their lead when the wind again took the kick-off directly into touch. From the scrum on halfway Cobham went right and kicked up the line. They were gifted with speedy runners and won the chase for the touchdown, and the try was converted with a magnificent kick from the touchline. 12-0 after only 6 minutes. Mids at last won some good possession but a strong position was lost with a careless pass and Cobham broke through again. Archie McMillan and Rhys Gormley made two last-ditch tackles to prevent a third try, forcing a knock-on. However, the referee was not happy and carded McMcMillan. Cobham took a scrum which they managed well to drive over by the posts, and it was 19-0 after only 10 minutes.

Trinity, to their credit, after this nightmare start and a man down, brought the fight to the visitors and their scrum, which was one of the success stories of the afternoon won a penalty at the restart. Two more penalties won a good position on Cobham’s 22. Olly Hubbard made a fine catch in the line and Ali Hall enjoyed marshalling a strong driving maul as the pack went over and Marc McEvilly got the touchdown. George Kimmins judged the wind well to kick the conversion, and it was 7-19 after 20 minutes. Trinity had settled down and the players were linking well with each other and there was continuity in the play. There were good carries by Adam Sheehy and Quinn Singh and David Hoffmann was another to catch the eye. Mids really needed the next score but a dreadful bounce and hack on in midfield meant that Cobham players were in space in the home 22 and again took advantage to register another 7 pointer and their bonus point. Trinity continued to fight and Alex Scott and Lewis Chin-You both made good runs. Kimmins made a difficult kick into the wind look easy as he stroked over a penalty to reduce the arrears. Trinity had steadied up but nothing would go for them. Just before half time they won a scrum but then lost control of the ball and Cobham again kicked through and won the chase for their 5th try. They led 31-10 at the interval.

Cobham started the second half strongly when they returned the kick-off with a 50-22. They then forced two penalties and pressurised the home line. Trinity dealt well with this, Ben Vaillant putting in a strong tackle and the defence well organised. However, after they had won back possession, a poor pass led to the concession of a 5-metre scrum and Cobham scored in the corner. Mids kept at it and a fine carry by Ty Williams showed grit. Trinity’s close passing was very good at times, but Cobham remained strong and piled on more pressure. This was well dealt with and Seb Robertson, who had come on in the centre made a fine clearance to touch. Jasper Brown came on to continue the good work of the scrum and McEvilly showed his power around the field. Trinity had strong runners in Max Mouna and his replacement Callum True but they had little opportunity to show their paces. Vaillant made a fine catch in the line out and broke through. In general, the visitors’ line out was rock solid and they were allowed to break through and show too much speed again for another 7 pointer. The dreaded half-century seemed on the cards, but Trinity would have none of this. Sheehy won a turnover and they drove upfield. McEvilly intercepted and Mids were on the 22. Cobham got a yellow card, and Sheehy kicked the penalty to the corner. Williams to an excellent catch in the line and the ball was fed right for McMillan to come flying in to score under the posts. Bizarrely, the referee was unsighted and could not award the try but justice was done when, from the advantage penalty being played, Vaillant knifed through the defence for the closing try

Trinity had fought well but there were too many mistakes and Cobham are a strong outfit who will not spurn chances when they get them. Despite a drubbing at home from Cobham last year Trinity went down to Fairmile and turned the tables in the return fixture. They will hope to do this again in the Spring.

PHOTOS FROM PETE FILEWOOD FLICKR

PHOTOS FROM NEIL PEPPER via Trinity RFC Facebook