Cannock Rugby Club

Cannock travelled to the other side of the universe to face Bishops Castle, knowing they would have to be at their best to beat a team who have some what turned their season round over the past few weeks.
Cannock were in confident mood with a 8 match winning streak and a near full strength squad to choose from, the boys in blue were looking to close the gap on the teams ahead of them.
Bishop's started the stronger. Phase ball and good tactical kicking from their 10, pinned Cannock in their own half for sustained periods. Strong tackles from G.I Watkins and Phil 'i now have an i phone 4' Pedley kept the score board level. Cannock hadn't got out the cars yet. The normally good lineouts were misfiring and although the scrums were as solid as ever Cannock seemed to struggle to keep the ball long enough to cause any damage. The 1st points come from the boot of their 10 after captain Freeman was judged to have been off his feet at the breakdown. It was becoming a very frustrating afternoon. The extremely narrow pitch prevented the dangerous duo of Jukes and Freeman peeling off wide from the scrum and basically stopped Cannock's normal dangerous style of play. Even more frustrating was how Cannock were pinged an awful lot for wrong doings at the breakdown where as Bishop's were getting away with everything. Their back row killed everything at the rucks (most of the time illegally) yet the ref did nothing. A completely dull 1st half finished at 3- 0 to the home side.
The 2nd half started a bit more lively. Ryan Pali. j was brought on to try and inject some energy into an uncharacteristic lacklustre pack and with some very strong carries from Shirley, Richards and Frost it seemed that Cannock were finally getting into the game.
However Cannock couldn't break this defense today. Bishop's to their credit were solid and with a lot of help from the ref, managed to clear their lines and were 6 - 0 up with another penaly (god knows what for)
The game fluttered by and to be honest there isn't that much to report on. Mid way through the 2nd half it seemed the ref had lost all control and started blowing his whistle for offences we think he made up. Maybe as bored as the spectators? Bishop's gameplan was boring but effective and this just wasn't Cannock's day.
The last action of any interest was Bishop's try. A well executed rolling maul saw them drive 15 metres to the line and put the ball down. Final score 13 - 0.
So a bad day at the office for Cannock who will be looking to get back to winning ways at home to rivals Bloxwich on Saturday. Only points difference seperates the sides between 3rd and 4th.

Senior training with level 3 coach Paul Buckley is on Wednesday nights from 7pm. We reguarly field 3 sides so whatever ability you are come down and join us.

Junior training is still going strong on Saturday mornings from 10:30. Please contact us if you have a child who is interested in playing.