Teddies broken in shock defeat
Teddy Hall failed rise to the occasion, and Pembroke took full advantage
Teddy Hall.............6 Pembroke...........13 Pembroke went into Thursday’s semi-final against Teddy Hall as underdogs having never before made the latter stages of cuppers. A bitterly cold day didn’t deter vocal support for both sides and the teams battled it out in what was an enthralling game. Early exchanges saw the ball confined to midfield as both sides ran hard and directly and were reluctant to spread the ball wide in blustery conditions.
It became clear that Pembroke would need to achieve parity with a strong St Edmund’s pack if they were to allow time and space for their dynamic back line. A probing kick from full back Chris Owen established territorial advantage for Pembroke who forced a penalty 20 metres from Goal. Catling converted for 3-0. Hall fought back strongly, however, and Pembroke’s well organised defence was tested time and again around the ruck area.
An infringement at the breakdown enabled the First Division side to draw level. With both sides sensing the next score to be crucial, centre Adam Hunter burst through the Hall backline only to be dragged down by a desperate covering tackle. Pembroke were determined to turn their pressure into points and after seven or eight phases, were able to force their way over in the form of prop Morris on the crash ball. Once again Catling converted.
The game began to open up towards the end of the first half and Hall had the opportunity to close the gap, though Rob Yates missed a testing kick for goal. Second row Matt Lees led by example on countless occasions as St Edmund’s were given no change by the dogged Pembroke defence. Their determination in defence merely served to justify how they had come this far in the tournament.
The second half ebbed and flowed in a similar manner to the first, and two separate Pembroke yellow cards ensured that the road to Iffley remained uncertain. The first, a late hit from wing Alex Puxley, undid much of the good work the away side had put in the half’s opening minutes. Pembroke’s Barry Pinch forced a key turnover as Teddy Hall attacked, allowing scrum half Neil Annett to clear the defending side’s lines.
As the game entered the last ten minutes, Pembroke conceded another penalty, kicked by Yates for 13-6, and the sin-binned Catling left his 14 teammates to contain a Hall pack hungry for points. Pembroke’s back row, comprising of du Toit, White and Spencer led the side in a spirited defensive effort as their opponents camped themselves just metres short of the line. One drive was held up for an attacking five metre scrum and last ditch tackles were all that separated Hall from drawing level.
However, they failed to capitalise on their man advantage and a bone crunching hit from Owen ensured that the final whistle blew with the score in Pembroke’s favour. Pembroke demonstrated that team spirit and a sheer desire for victory really are enough to see off an undoubtedly talented opposition. It is evident that Captain Greg Spencer has instilled a self belief within the side which will serve them well come 10th March.
2nd Mar 2006