Calne RFC

Sat 30 Nov 2024

Sutton Benger

41 - 10

(HT 0-0)

Calne

Sutton Benger

Calne

Last Saturday, Calne RFC traveled to Sutton Benger for an eagerly anticipated clash that promised to be a thrilling encounter. With both teams eager to make a statement, the intensity on the pitch was palpable from the first whistle.

Calne began strongly, capitalizing on early possession and pressuring Sutton Benger into conceding a penalty in the opening minutes. Rhys Taylor (No. 13, sponsored by Rexel), stepping up confidently, slotted the ball between the posts to give Calne an early 0-3 lead. This promising start hinted at a closely fought contest, but Sutton Benger soon found their stride.

In the 17th minute, Sutton Benger responded with a well-executed try, exploiting gaps in Calne’s defense. A successful conversion put the home side ahead 7-3. Buoyed by their momentum, Sutton Benger struck again in the 24th minute, extending their lead to 12-3 with another incisive attacking move.

Calne, undeterred, rallied to regain control. In the 28th minute, No. 8 Mark McAlonan (sponsored by Ferns Group) broke through Sutton Benger's disciplined defense to cross the try line, narrowing the deficit to 12-10 after another pinpoint conversion by Taylor. However, Calne’s resurgence was dealt a blow when Taylor was shown a yellow card shortly after. Sutton Benger capitalized on the numerical advantage, scoring another try and converting to bring the halftime score to 19-10.

The second half began with Calne looking to build on their first-half efforts, but Sutton Benger came out firing. A sweeping move in the 44th minute resulted in another try, stretching their lead to 26-10. Just three minutes later, they crossed the line again. Calne’s troubles were compounded in the 70th minute when No. 14 Lewis King was shown a yellow card, allowing Sutton Benger to exploit the situation with another try in the 78th minute, pushing the score to 36-10. The home side sealed their dominant performance with a final try, ending the match 41-10.

Despite the tough result, Calne showed flashes of promise, particularly in the first half and during moments of sharp counter-attacking play. However, discipline proved costly, with two yellow cards leaving the team vulnerable during crucial phases of the game.

There were standout performances for Calne, notably from Rhys Davies (No. 18, available to sponsor), whose efforts earned him the Riches Roofing Man of the Match Award. A big thank you to Sutton Benger for their hospitality and to all the supporters who turned out to cheer on both sides.

While the outcome wasn’t what Calne had hoped for, there are positives to take forward as the team prepares for their next fixture. With continued effort and refinement, Calne RFC will aim to bounce back stronger in their upcoming matches.