11:56am Tuesday 16th March 2010
A DOMINANT display from Canvey Island’s forwards helped them see off South Woodham Ferrers 46-14.
Woodham were on the back-foot throughout and the only times they looked to be in the game was when Canvey gave them the ball from a wrong option.
That happened early on, when Woodham intercepted a pass and against the run off play were the first to score with a try and conversion.
Canvey hit back almost immediately, forcing Woodham to concede a penalty which was put between the posts by fly-half Jay Bedford.
Then, from a scrum driven forward, number eight Dave Dennis picked up and drove on from the ensuing ruck, allowing scrum half Brett Smith to pick up and score with one of his trademark snipes.
Bedford added the conversion but Woodham hit back with a converted try of their own. From then on Canvey’s forwards put a stranglehold on Woodham and forced them to concede another penalty which was kicked by Bedford.
Moments later and, following a line-out, Canvey drove Woodham back and flanker Tommi Gillingwater went over for a try converted by Bedford.
With Woodham having to resort to unfair means to try and stop the powerful pack they soon conceded another penalty.
This time, Canvey took the scrum option and Dennis picked up at the base and went over the line again Bedford added the extras and Can-vey’s forwards were now unstoppable.
From a series of pick and drives they eventually released the ball to their full-back Scott Floyd who came in to the line for a try.
Canvey remained on top and from a line-out they drove on before feeding the backs who put it across the pitch to allow winger Steve Hassan to add his name to the score-sheet.
Bedford again converted but Canvey were still not finished and, after more forward play, flanker Jack Gillingwater who had just replaced his brother Tommi touched down for a try converted by Bedford.
Second-placed Canvey are now five points behind league leaders Beccles are their latest triumph was praised by forwards coach Dick Gibbons.
“That was the best forwards performance I have ever been involved in,” he said.
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