Calling all U12's.

Pre-season training starts Sunday 15th June

All Welcome to attend - ring Tim McGill on

07714 695698 (home 01452 534604) to find out more!

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Under 15's

For any information/correspondence for our Junior Section, please contact:

 Tim McGill on tim.anne@blueyonder.co.uk or mobile 07714 695698.  (home 01452 534604).

 

Latest Result & Match Reports:

06.04.08 -        Matson  21  Old  Cryptians 3   (County Cup Semi Final)

COUNTY CUP SEMI FINAL

Matson now progress through to the County Cup final on the back of this titanic battle, played in a great spirit from both sides.

Old Cryptians started the match strongly, with forwards Jack Hollocks, Seb Desando, Ben Marshall and Joe Smithard using the slope of the Redwell Road ground to rampage forward and gain territory. The Matson forwards were struggling to contain the power of the Old Cryptians pack and soon conceded a penalty in their 22 which was successfully kicked by EJ McGill. The game continued, dominated by the forwards, with the front row of Matt Williams, Dave Sadler and James Priday repeatedly gaining possession for the visitors. The Matson pack eventually managed to turn over ball and a quick pass out from Joe Payne sent blindside flanker Nico Woodward in for a try, converted by Liam Harding.  Old Cryptians then changed their game plan and started to play a much more expansive game utilising the speed of their back three of Fred Rehschuh, Ben Jewell and Chris Watson. Matson’s defence worked hard to contain the visitor’s attacks, with Ben Conway continually sniping and edging forward around the fringes, and Billy Trigg working very effectively to quickly snaffle any loose ball. However, the remainder of the first half remained scoreless. Half time score was 7 -3.

Old Cryptians brought on replacements Ed Gills and Jack Flounders for the second half to add some power and up the tempo of the game. Centres Zak Mann and Sam Smith both made some scything breaks and had the Matson backline desperately trying to contain the attack. However, a loose pass from the visitors was quickly snapped up by scrum half Joe Hoyle who ran in 40 metres for a try between the posts, converted again by Harding. This second score woke Old Cryptians, and they brought on replacement winger Sam Maynard to try and speed the game up even further. Matson continued to defend their line with everything they had, and managed to keep the visitors from scoring despite the sustained periods of attack. With the ball now being moved across the visitors backline quickly, Matson spotted an opportunity for an interception, and Joe Hoyle ran in for the second of his brace of tries, which he then converted himself.

Matson now go on to play Cleve in the County cup final.

Old Cryptians Man of the match was awarded to Ben Jewell whilst Matson’s award was given to the backrow forwards Nico Woodward, Dean Harper and Joe Payne for their outstanding defensive efforts.

Old Cryptians: Ben Jewell, Fred Rehschuh, Zak Mann, Sam Smith, Chris Watson, EJ McGill, Ben Conway, Matt Williams, Dave Sadler, James Priday, Seb Desando, Joe Smithard, Ben Marshall, Billy Trigg, Jack Hollocks. Reps: Ed Gills, Sam Maynard, Steve Phillips, Ben Gregory, Jack Flounders, James Bluett.

30.03.08 -        Old Richians  16  Old  Cryptians 19

COUNTY CUP QUARTER FINAL

Old Cryptians go through to the County Cup semi finals on the back of this thrilling encounter.  A bright, sunny morning saw some scintillating rugby played by both closely matched teams, with the points hovering within a score throughout the majority of the game. Old Richians were the first to score, as some lazy tackling by the visitors provided a penalty opportunity within the first few minutes of the game. The hosts pack worked well and provided good clean ball for their blistering quick backline. It wasn’t long before Old Richians centres Ed Higgs and Michael Spencer-Tonks outstripped the visitors defence and fed winger Luke Johnson to run into the corner for an unconverted try.   This score woke Old Cryptians, with forwards James Weaver, Jack Hollocks and James Priday bursting through the defence and eventually getting the ball into the opposition’s half. Some dissent from the hosts resulted in a penalty being awarded to Old Cryptians, and fly half Sam Maynard opted to kick for the corner, rather than take the 3 points on offer. Dave Sadler’s accurate throw was taken cleanly by lock Joe Smithard who set up the forward drive, helped by the physical presence of Seb Desando and Billy Trigg. Ben Conway passed out to Sam Smith who once again demonstrated his outrageous dummy to bamboozle the host’s defence, and had just enough speed to reach the line and touch down under the posts with an outstretched arm. The score was successfully converted by Maynard.  From the restart, Ben Jewell reclaimed the ball and set up another Old Cryptians attack with wingers Fred Rehschuh and Chris Watson keeping the ball alive and feeding to captain Zak Mann who burst through the centre, only to be stopped by an excellent tackle just short of the line.   The halftime score remained at 8-7.

The second half saw a pumped up Old Richians pack compete strongly for the ball at every opportunity, and quickly ran in another unconverted try. Old Richians confidence was now at its highest and continual pressure in the visitors 22 finally awarded them a second penalty that was successfully kicked. Although both team’s forwards were battling well for possession, it was Old Richians again who won turnover ball and quickly fed out wide for a race for the line, only to be stopped by an outstanding covering tackle from Old Cryptians flanker Ben Marshall, who ran 40 metres to catch his man and hence deny the score. This seemed to be a turning point of the game, and with the hosts reeling, Old Cryptians made some tactical substitutions, bringing on players Matt Williams, Chad Crosby, Jack Flounders and Ed Gills to strengthen the visitors game. It wasn’t long before Old Cryptians were able to attack from a kick ahead by EJ McGill, and after a short foray in the hosts 22, Ben Marshall burst through a strong Old Richians defence to touch down for an unconverted try in the corner.

The final quarter of the game was a very closely fought encounter and it looked like Old Richians were about the win the game. However in the final 5 minutes of the game, maybe for the first time, a gap appeared in the hosts defence and flanker Ben Marshall raced in from 40 metres to touch down under the posts. The try was successfully converted by Maynard.

Old Richians mounted one final monumental attack in the dying seconds of the game and won another penalty well within the visitors half. However the hosts opted to take a tap penalty as a successful kick would not have been enough to secure the win. Sterling defence from Old Cryptians withstood the onslaught, finally resulting in Ed Gills bundling the attack into touch on full time, securing a memorable win for Old Cryptians.    Man of the match was awarded to Ben Marshall for his outstanding defensive efforts and his brace of tries.

Old Cryptians: Ben Jewell, Fred Rehschuh, Zak Mann, Sam Smith, Chris Watson, Sam Maynard, Ben Conway, James Weaver, Dave Sadler, James Priday, Seb Desando, Joe Smithard, Ben Marshall, Billy Trigg, Jack Hollocks. Reps: Ed Gills Chad Crosby, EJ McGill, Steve Phillips, Ben Gregory, Jack Flounders, Matt Williams.

21.03.08 -        Old Cryptians 39   Old Regations   0 (Touring Side) 

The long Good Friday played between Cryptians and Regatians, a touring team from Surrey, delivered the pre game hype on a gruelling Good Friday. In the relentless rain, Cryptians launched an attack straight from the drop out. Number 8 Jack Hollocks took the high ball and with the support of flankers Billy Trigg and Ben Marshall, a driving maul ended up with a Cryptians scrum 5 metres from Regatians line. A back row move followed with Jack Hollocks crashing over in the corner for his first try in a Cryptians shirt. Another high hanging restart from the Reigate fly half forced a turnover in the ruck, with Cryptians forwards committing too many players to the ruck, Reigate’s flanker picked and ran 50 metres only for Cryptians winger Fred Rehschuh to cover over from the opposite wing and halt what would have been a certain try. After a period of the ball swapping between teams, scrum half Ben Conway flung the ball out to centres Sam Smith and Zak Mann who cleverly switched and set up a ruck. From the ruck fly half E.J McGill gently grubbered through the defence causing Reigate’s full back to take the ball over his own line forcing a Cryptians scrum 5 metres out. From the scrum, scrum half Conway picked the ball up and crashed over the line. Immediately after this, Cryptians second row Seb Desando bashed through the defence from the restart and offloaded to prop James Priday who handed off four of Reigate’s defenders to crash over the line in the last play of the half.

The second half began exactly where it left off, with the dominant Cryptians pack driving a maul 40 metres down field which blindside Ben Marshall peeled off and ran through the Reigate defence to touch down. This try seemed to ignite the power in Reigate who started to catch the Cryptians defence out with quick line outs and strong running from their back row, but the formidable centre pairing of Smith and Mann kept them at bay. Following a turnover in the ruck by hooker Chad Crosby, an up and under caught the full back out, Cryptians full back Ben Jewell controlled the bobbling ball and from the base of the ruck, prop Dave Sadler threw an outrageous dummy, which caught the Reigate back line by surprise, and crashed over to make the score 25-0. With 15 minutes to play, a superb break from second row Joe Smithard set up a ruck on the 22, from this scrum half Conway passed out to McGill who wrong footed the defence, drew the full back and offloaded to centre Sam Smith who crashed over under the posts, McGill converted. A few changes brought first half full back Sam Maynard on at fly half, who’s first touch was a beautifully weighted pass to winger Fred Rehschuh who showed strength and speed to crash over from 40 metres to score in the corner. Maynard converted.  The final five minutes showed resilient defending from Jack Flounders, Ed Gills and Ben Gregory which kept Reigate at bay. The last play of the game saw Cryptians winger Chris Watson dance through the opposition centres only to be tackled short of the line by the Reigate full back. Man of the Match was Fred Rehschuh for his all round performance and superb cover tackle.

Old Cryptians : Sam Maynard, Fred Rehschuh, Zak Mann, Sam Smith, Chris Watson,  E.J McGill, Ben Conway, Jack Hollocks, Billy Trigg, Ben Marshall, Joe Smithard, Seb Desando, Dave Sadler, Chad Crosby, James Priday. Ben Gregory, Jack Flounders, Ed Gills, Ben Jewell

03.03.08 -        Old Cryptians 5     Cirencester 11

County Cup

The Old Cryptians front row of James Priday, Dave Sadler and James Weaver relished the opportunity of keeping the strong Cirencester pack under control in this thrilling County cup group decider. The early exchanges in the game were dominated by the forwards, with Seb Desando, Billy Trigg and Joe Smithard often taking the ball over the gain line. However, slow release of the ball resulted in a penalty being awarded to the visitors which was expertly kicked from 30 yards out.   Old Cryptians then changed their game plan and started to use the slope of the Memorial ground to try and unleash their lightening quick wingers of Chris Watson and Fred Rehschuh. A cleverly placed kick ahead by fly half Sam Maynard enabled inside centre Sam Smith to chase and pressurise the Cirencester defence within their own 22. Old Cryptians arrived in sufficient numbers to turn the ball over and a couple of pick and drives from Jack Flounders and James Priday, finally resulted in James Weaver crashing over in the corner for an unconverted try.

E J McGill restarted the game in the second half, in place of Sam Maynard who was injured just before half time. With the wind now in Old Cryptians’ favour, a high hanging restart by McGill enabled Zak Mann and replacement winger Ed Gills to chase the ball and win possession for Old Cryptians. Cirencester quickly responded to the threat and through some excellent defence by their wing forwards, the attacking opportunity was thwarted.   Cirencester then started to use the slope of the pitch to their advantage and an exquisite chip ahead was picked up by their left winger who raced around the Old Cryptians defence to score an unconverted try. Liam Swatteridge and Chad Crosby were brought on to bring some fresh legs and help maintain the tempo of this close and thrilling match. As the game moved into the final few minutes of play, the intensity of the match seemed to increase even further with some excellent defence by Old Cryptians, managing to keep Cirencester at bay within the host’s 22. However Old Cryptians were penalised for slowing the ball down, and another excellent kick from out wide secured a win for Cirencester in an extremely close fought game.  The Old Cryptians Man of the Match was awarded to James Weaver for his excellent all round contributions to the game.

Team: Ben Jewell, Chris Watson, Zak Mann, Sam Smith, Fred Rehschuh, Sam Maynard, Ben Conway, James Priday, Dave Sadler, James Weaver, Seb Desando, Jack Flounders, Ben Gregory, Billy Trigg, Joe Smithard, James Bluett, Chad Crosby, Ed Gills, Ollie Counsell, Steve Philips, E J McGill, Liam Swatteridge

 

24.02.08 -   Old Patesians  10      Old Cryptians 46

County Cup

Old Cryptians were certainly pumped up from the very start of this County Cup encounter. Having won the toss and opting to play down the slope, the long kick off was chased aggressively by forwards Jack Flounders, James Weaver and James Priday. A fumble by the Old Patesians defence left a loose ball for openside Billy Trigg to pounce on to score in the opening minute of the game. From the restart Old Cryptians forward Seb Desando gathered the ball sweetly and passed out to centre Sam Smith who displayed an outrageous dummy to cut through the defensive line and race to the line unopposed for a second score, converted by Sam Maynard.  Old Patesians were now fearing a rout, and started upping the intensity of their game immediately. This paid dividends for them as very soon afterwards they were able to break through Old Cryptians defence to score a very well worked, unconverted try.  The Old Cryptians pack were dominating the set piece, with Seb Desando, Steve Philips and Dave Sadler exerting their physical strength and Ben Marshall fearlessly tackling anyone running at him. From a resulting turnover, Ben Conway quickly shipped the ball out to fly half EJ McGill who in turn passed out to full back Ben Jewell running at pace to score another unopposed try, again converted by Maynard.   A promising Old Patesians attack was thwarted by some strong tackling by Jack Flounders and Ben Marshall who then stole the ball and passed it out to winger Ed Gills who made a good break, only to be held up short of the line by an excellent defensive display from Old Patesians. Old Cryptians managed to maintain possession and the ball was quickly passed out across the backline until it reached the left winger Zak Mann who was able to run in to score the first of his brace of tries.

Due to the sheer speed and intensity of the play, the second half saw replacements Chad Crosby, Matt Williams and Fred Rehschuh from Old Cryptians come on in order to maintain control of the game. The Old Cryptians forwards continued to dominate and won possession through great determination and superior physical strength. Matt Williams was giving his opposite number in the front row all manner of problems, and a driving scrum secured possesion for scrum half Ben Conway to make a sniping break, only to be tackled short of the line by another excellent defensive effort by Old Patesians. However, secured ball was passed out to Zak Mann who had now come into the centre position to score the second of his 2 tries.  The following period saw Old Cryptians continually pounding away just short of the Old Patesians line, held out by continued sterling work from the Old Patesians defensive line. An attempted clearance kick was charged down by pacey flanker Ben Gregory, and the subsequent loose ball was picked up by Fred Rehschuh who managed to touch down for another unconverted try out wide.

Old Patesians were determined and never lost hope of turning the game in their favour. With the wind and slope now working for them, they started to put some long range probing kicks in behind Old Cryptians. Following a penalty awarded against the visitors in their 22 for some over zealous tackling, a quick tap and go, followed by a series of pick and drives from the Old Patesians pack, eventually secured them a very well deserved second try.   Replacements Liam Swatteridge and Chris Watson were brought on to shore up the wings and add some pace. An excellent kick from Chris Watson set up an attacking move for Old Cryptians, and the fresher legs of the forwards continued to put Old Patesians under tremendous defensive pressure. A forward charge from prop James Weaver resulted in him barging over for a great individual try and finally bringing the end to a highly charged, quick tempo’d match.  The Man of the Match was awarded to Sam Smith for his outstanding distribution skills and the pace that he regularly demonstrated to outstrip Old Patesians defence.

Team: Ben Jewell, Ed Gills, Sam Maynard, Sam Smith, Zak Mann, EJ McGill, Ben Conway, James Priday, Dave Sadler, James Weaver, Seb Desando, Steve Philips, Ben Marshall, Billy Trigg, Jack Flounders, James Bluett, Chad Crosby, Fred Rehschuh, Matt Williams, Ben Gregory, Liam Swatteridge, Chris Watson.

10.02.08 -   Old Cryptians   17  Matson   12

This entertaining game had everything that is good about local rugby, as these two committed sides showed their strengths and attacked each other at every opportunity. The Cryptians playing up the slope showed true grit and determination and made known their intentions to attack the Matson pack from the start. Some tight interchanges saw the Cryptians forwards parked on the edge of the Matson 22 for a good period. A chip ahead by the scrum half Ben Conway unleashed the Cryptians back row and wingers who pounced on the ball. The Juggernaut front five followed up to support, pushing the maul forward and over the line for a try by abrasive winger Ed Gills. Sam Maynard converted from a tricky angle. Matson were now stung into action and using the slope, fought hard to gain ground into the Cryptians half. A battle of the three quarters now took the focus of attack for Matson as they tried to find a weakness in the Cryptians line. Great team work and understanding developed from the training field, with every one working for each other meant the Cryptians line was unbreached, despite some enterprising running from Matson. Cryptians again ran the ball wide with forwards Jack Flounders, Billy Trigg and Joe Smithard outstanding all game. However Matson’s relentless attacking brought them again into the Cryptians half and after a further period of fierce tackling, Matson scored a converted try to make the half time score a deserved 7 points a piece.  

The second half started well for the Cryptians team as James Weaver and Zak Mann made some telling runs and were well supported by the forwards who as a unit were playing so well together. A storming individual run by Ben Marshall was soon turned again into a rolling charge for Marshall to score his first try for the club. Matson forwards not happy with the turn of events pushed back hard and the ball was again sent along the threes but no gaps were appearing as the Cryptians team ethic was proving a resilient and focused force. Against the run of play Cryptians mounted a sortie into the Matson half and Sam Smith intelligently put a delicate diagonal kick in behind the Matson backs which wrong foot their defense. Wing Fred Rehschuh instinctively knew what was going to happen and ran through to collect the ball. With much still to do he stayed on his feet and drove forward, and as his fellow Cryptians reached him they picked up the momentum and drove over for an unconverted try. Matson kicked the ball now up field to gain field position but the Cryptians forwards kept it tight and drove at the Matson forward. The high spot of the game was seen when on several separate occasions at this crucial period of the game Cryptians forward James Priday fearlessly ran at and through the Matson team with several players together needed to stop these thundering runs.   The three-quarter line of Matson moved the ball very quickly through the hands and managed to score wide out to add to the excitement of the last quarter. Matson spent the dying moments of the game entrenched in the Cryptians 22 and despite some threatening attacks especially through the backs, met a wall of collective defiance as the Cryptians backs and forwards defend their line together. A wonderful game of rugby was eventually won by Cryptians but a credit to the adventurous approach of both teams.  Man of the match went to James Priday for his relentless energy and all round contributions to the match.

Old Cryptians team ; James Weaver ,Chad Crosby ,James Priday, Seb Desando, Jack Flounders, Ben Marshal, Billy Trigg, Joe Smithard, Ben Conway, EJ McGill,  Ed Gills, Sam Smith, Zak Mann, Sam Maynard, Ben Jewel, Dave Sadler, Matt Williams, Fred Rehschuh, Steve Philips, Ollie Counsell, James Bluett, Liam Swatteridge, Chris Watson .

27.01.08 -   Old Cryptians   13  Thornbury   3 - COUNTY CUP

Old Cryptians opened their County Cup challenge with a hard fought game against a physical and organized Thornbury side. Early sorties into the Thornbury half were repelled and soon it was Cryptians on the defensive. Wave after wave of pressure saw Thornbury forwards dominate the early exchanges and only good tackling by James Priday, Billy Trigg and Matt Williams kept the line intact. Cryptians slowly got back to an even footing and strikes against the head by hooker Dave Sadler the tied was turning. Joe Smithard, Steve Philips and Sebastian Desando began to win the line outs and slowly Cryptians moved the pressure up field. From a steady scrum Ben Conway broke blind and despite some cover tacking managed to break through and open the scoring for Cryptians .Thornbury were not put off and attacked immediately through there  large forwards and from ruck Cryptians were penalized and Thornbury converted the points.

The second half saw Thornbury kick much more but the back three of Ed Gills, Fred Rehschuh and Sam Maynard were able to nullify the threat with good positional play and aggressive counter attacking. Thornbury then changed tactics and began to run the ball through the three quarters but centers Sam Smith and Zac Mann and Elias McGill tackled ferousiously and repelled the attacks. As the game was beginning to favor the Thornbury team because they were playing down the slope the Cryptians broke away and a clever kick by Elias McGill forced a scrum 5 meters out from which Jack Flounder broke loose and forced his way over. In the last quarter the Cryptians were put under tremendous pressure as the larger Thornbury team attacked at every opportunity but tackling from Ben Gregory, Liam Swatteridge and James Priday ensured they did not cross the line. . However an indiscretion at a ruck gave Sam Maynard the opportunity to kick a penalty which he duly did to move the score beyond Thornbury in the dying minutes. Man of the match was Jack Flounders for his all round contribution and work ethic.

Old Cryptians Team -  Matt Williams, Dave Sadler, James Priday, Seb Desando, Steve Philips, Jack Founders , Billy Trigg , Joe Smithard , Ben Conway , EJ McGill ,Fred Rehschuh , Sam Smith  , Zak Mann , Ed Gills , Sam Maynard , Ben Gregory Liam Swatteridge ,Chad Crosby ,Chris Watson ,James Bluett ,Ollie Counsell .

19.12.07 -   Old Cryptians 0    Hucclecote   7

 An early Christmas feast was served up in a re-match of last season’s County Cup semi-final which saw Hucclecote win 22-0.  Cryptians started the game very much on the back foot, with Hucclecote choosing to keep the ball in hand and letting the forwards gain the hard yards.  Steve Phillips and Joe Smithard had to put in some early hits to keep Hucclecote at bay.   Cryptians forwards then started to turn the ball over in the ruck and mauls which allowed scrum half Ben Conway to do a trademark snipe at the base of a ruck and pass to winger Ed Gills who, after a surging run was unable to ground the ball after crossing the Hucclecote line.  This seemed to spark Cryptians backs and with fly half Sam Maynard’s tactical kicks keeping the rushing defence at bay, it was developing into a great spectacle for this age groups rugby.  Hucclecote’s fly half Jon Coles was cleverly using the notorious Memorial ground’s slope, to keep Cryptians at bay, with pin-point kicking.  Half time saw teams change ends with a score line of 0-0.

After a few words of wisdom from their coaches, both teams came out for the second half determined to break the stalemate. Cryptians had the advantage of going downhill.   After a few tactical changes from both sides the game exploded into several minutes of relentless Hucclecote attack. Seb Desando and Jack Flounders managed to steal several line outs which allowed Conway to clear the pressure with some brilliant box kicks. After several minutes of both teams doing some kicking practice in open play, a poor Cryptians kick was caught by Cote’s full back who unloaded to release the dangerous centre partnership of Kane Hazzard and Sean Beirne. They set free the flying winger Matt Perry who scorched in from 40metres. The conversion was made from out wide by Jon Coles.  Now the game was in full flow with both teams relying heavily on the shear brute force of their forwards. Cryptians hooker Dave Sadler took several scrums against the head which allowed the centre pairing of Sam Smith and Zak Mann to move Cryptians out of the danger area. But they could not get close enough to the try line with Hucclecote centres and back row putting in some solid tackles, led by Craig McGregor and Jack Christmas.  A huge drive by the Cryptians forwards led to a sustained period of scrums in the Hucclecote 22, and only desperate defending prevented Cryptians crossing the line.  In the dying moments of the game Cryptians were rewarded a penalty under the posts, but a poor quickly taken penalty left the player isolated, and Hucclecote were awarded a penalty for holding on.  This turned out to be the last play of the game, and Hucclecote were relieved to hear the final whistle.

16.12.07 -   St Brendan's   0  Old Cryptians 34

On a foul winter’s day, Old Cryptians travelled to Bristol to play St Brendan’s.  Due to potential shirt clash, Cryptians turned out in their RAF sponsored maroon strip.  Playing with a very strong wind behind them, Cryptians chose to run the ball at every occasion and ignore the advantage of the inclement weather conditions.  From the kick off, a strong run by flanker James Priday took play deep into the Brendan’s half; quick ball released Sam Smith who majestically glided around the retreating defence, and with a slight show of the ball Smith scored a fine try under the post. E.J. McGill adding the extras.  The front row of Matt Williams David Sadler and Pack leader James Weaver, relished the environment and from the restart Williams made a powerful break unloading to No 8 Jack Founders who crashed over in the corner.

With the wind and rain continuing to batter the teams, Old Cryptians scrum half Ben Conway broke from a scrum and rampaged into the Brendan’s heart, McGill flicked a delightful miss pass to captain Zak Mann who drew the centres to free full back Ben Jewell, who ran in from 40 metres to record his first try for the club. McGill kicked the conversion from in front of the posts.  Further tries were added by winger Ed Gills and a fine individual surge across the line by Zak Mann.  Sebastian Desando was collecting every re-start, and delighted in charging into Brendan’s with every opportunity along with his second row partner Steve Phillips, with flanker Billy Trigg on hand to collect any off loads.

Half time saw a rake of changes giving the Cryptians squad a run out, with No 8 Joe Smithard back from his sight-seeing at the SS Great Britain added to bulk up the pack.    Chris Watson, Ben Gregory Sam Maynard and Kieron McInness were given the chance to stake a claim, and had to work extremely hard into the teeth of horizontal rain.  Brendan’s were using the wind to pin Cryptians in their 22, but stout defending kept the Bristol team from threatening the Crypts line.  Tempers became frayed after a series of scrums, with Brendan’s being pushed off their ball. From a resulting penalty Cryptians ran the length of the pitch with the ball going through many hands for Sam Maynard to score in the corner.  This turned out to be the last play of the game, and the rush for the warmth of the changing room was on.

 11.11.07 -   Old Cryptians 32    St Marys  31

This pulsating game was entertaining from the start as both teams ran the ball at every opportunity. The Cryptians management decided to develop their flexible rugby style by playing several players in new positions and trialing some new coaching techniques. They were rewarded with an enthusiastic response from the players and a game that will be remembered for a long time to come.   St Mary’s with a large pack and an even bigger reputation started eagerly and pressurized early on in the Cryptians territory .However the Cryptians open style of rugby  meant quick ball was made available early to the three quarters  and they responded positively surging forward and were rewarded when Fred Rehschuh broke the cover to score wide out.. Cryptians continued to play through the three-quarter as Elias McGill conducted proceedings from outside half. A change of strategy saw an attack down the middle result in the ball fall free to Zac Mann who crashed over wide out to increase the lead. Old Cryptians three quarters were now on fire as the quick handling and adventurous running was giving acres of space out wide and confusing St Mary’s .A second try for Mann converted by McGill from a difficult angle put Cryptians in the ascendancy. St. Mary’s fought back strongly as they began to use their large pack to march the ball up field and were rewarded with a converted try. Cryptians front row of James Weaver , Chad Crosby and  Keiran McInnes were holding  their own and from  scrum 5 meters out caused confusion with a second push which resulted in poor ball to the St Mary’s Half backs  which allowed Billy Trigg to pounce and score.

The second half allowed St Mary’s to now take advantage of the slope and very early on they had crossed the line to score a well worked converted try. Against the run of play James Priday collected a loose clearance and ran determinedly and diagonally to score in the far corner. Cryptians had added Dave Sadler , Will Stephenson and Chris Watson to the battle and they all played with great determination. The visitors now threw caution to the wind and their endeavors were rewarded with two converted tries. The Cryptians defense was now tested to the full and the forwards Steve Philips, Jack Flounders and Ben Gregory tackled and spoiled with distinction. The centre duo of Zack Mann and Ben Conway combined well to increase the Cryptians score line with  a third try for Mann while resilient tackling by Ben Jewell , Seb Desando and Ed Gills stalled the St Mary’s recovery in such a high octane environment . St Mary’s were now bombarding the Cryptians line and while they did cross wide out on the whistle it was not enough as Cryptians clung on to record a famous victory.  Man of the match was prop James Weaver.

28.10.07 -   Old Cryptians 25   Old Patesians 6

In the driving rain and with a cruel wind Old Cryptians reaped the delights against a determined and defiant outfit Old Patesians outfit.  After winning the toss, Cryptians elected to play down the slope and applied perspiration rather than inspiration to unleash the gnarled front row of Matt Williams and James Priday to assert authority over the Patesians set piece. This allowed Cryptians to secure an abundance of possession with flanker Billy Trigg imperious around the fringes. Despite Patesians defending bravely, a free flowing move involving dangerous wingers Ed Gills and Fred Rehschuh saw hooker Dave Sadler arrive at the breakdown and bundle over for the opening score. Although Patesians retaliated with centre Sam Wilson causing mayhem in midfield, they could not prevent Cryptians captain Zak Mann scorching over the whitewash following a sizzling run.  Despite the difficult conditions Cryptians introduced a quick, dynamic and expansive game plan. Following good handling between half backs Ben Conway and Elias McGill, centre Sam Smith cruised over for the touchdown. This score fired Patesians into action with scrum half John Ferne cleverly orchestrating play and fly hacking the ball through the Cryptians defence. With the chase on a Patesians player was impeded, and outside half Leo Fielding coolly slotted the resulting penalty. The Patesians purple patch continued and Fielding punted a further penalty following a Cryptians infringement at the breakdown to reduce the half time deficit to 15 points to 6.

 After the interval Cryptians introduced the extra gristle of props Kieran McInnes and James Weaver to add muscle to the set piece. This allowed quality possession to be secured for the hosts to continue with their fluid game plan. However, Patesians used the slope and blustery conditions to boom the ball deep into opposition territory. Despite this tactic giving Patesians the territorial advantage, they could not secure the ball with Cryptians locks Jack Flounders and Seb Desando majestic and disruptive at the line out. With possession secured for Cryptians backs Sam Maynard and Liam Swatteridge to race forward, number 8 Joe Smithard arrived on the loop to crash over in the corner.

Despite this set back Patesians continued with dogged resistance and lock John Smith put in several thunderous tackles. However Cryptians abrasive three quarters.  Ben Jewell and Chris Watson withstood the onslaught to keep the ball alive during several phases of play. This allowed Cryptians flankers Ben Gregory and Ben Marshall to surge through the visitors defence on a series of rolling mauls, with hooker Sadler emerging for the score after burrowing his was over. The conversion attempt drifted wide with the swirling wind making it a difficult day for the kickers. The Cryptians man of the match was awarded to Ben Conway while Patesians honours went to Sam Wilson

 30.09.07 -   Old Cryptians 62    Ledbury  0

These two heavyweight sides crossed swords for the first time, with the eventual score line flattering an Old Cryptians side who were made to toil by a dogged and determined Ledbury outfit.  From the kick off, the muscular Ledbury front five thundered deep into Cryptians territory, with Number 8 George Lee dominating with ball in hand. However these initial Ledbury skirmishes were short-lived, with Cryptians locks Jack Flounders and

Seb Desando snaffling possession at the break down. The ball was quickly regenerated to the mercurial Cryptians three quarters who created an overlap for winger Fred Rehschuh to touchdown with centre Sam Maynard converting. A second try quickly followed when Cryptians prop James Weaver flopped over the try line after a gigantic forward rumble.

Although Ledbury gave no quarter with winger Ben James putting in some big hits, Cryptians added a further score following a scintillating burst from Rehschuh. As Cryptians began to dominate both territory and possession, Ledbury doggedly stuck to their game plan of out rucking their opponents at the breakdown. However, the visitors could not withstand the continued Cryptians pressure, with hooker Dave Sadler popping up in midfield to barge through the despairing defence and crash over in the corner. Just before half time a succulent Cryptians midfield scissors move allowed their captain Zak Mann to explode over the whitewash, with Maynard slotting the extras.

After the interval Cryptians introduced the grunt of Matt Williams and Ollie Counsell and the panache of Will Stephenson to spruce up their game plan. However, Ledbury realised that scoring first was critical to the success of the game with hooker Mark Warren steaming quickly out of the blocks. The attack was snuffed out by abrasive Cryptians prop Kieran McInnes with full back Ed Gills snaffling the ball and setting of on a searing run before offloading to number 8 Joe Smithard for the score, with James Bluett converting. Smithard secured his brace after bamboozling the opposition defence to bosh over the try line, with full back Maynard punting the bonus points.  As the Cryptians confidence increased flankers Ben Gregory and James Priday hunted and harried their opposite numbers to scavenge an abundance of possession. This allowed outside half Elias McGill the time to sell an outrageous dummy before scuttling over the try line. As Ledbury tired, Cryptians backs Chad Crosby and Sam Peacock intelligently interlinked to allow winger Chris Watson in for a sumptuous touchdown, with McGill kicking the conversion. In the dying embers of the game, Cryptians livewire scrum half Billy Trigg scored a deserved try, with McGill adding the extras.

 The Cryptians man of the match was awarded to Joe Smithard.

 Old Cryptians team: Ed Gills, Sam Peacock, Zak Mann (captain), Sam Maynard, Fred Rehschuh, Elias McGill, Billy Trigg, Jack Flounders, Ben Gregory, James Priday, Seb Desando, Joe Smithard, James Weaver, Dave Sadler, Kieran McInnes. Replacements, James Bluett, Chad Crosby, Matt Williams, Ollie Counsell, Will Stephenson, Chris Watson 

23.09.07 -  Lydney    0      Old Cryptians 51

   

Old Cryptians flair and guile outwitted a much improved and defiant Lydney outfit at Regentsholme.

From the outset on the large Lydney first team paddock, Cryptians made their intentions clear and adopted an open and expansive game plan. In the early skirmishes the Cryptians forwards out muscled the Lydney pack with prop James Weaver popping up unexpectedly like a jack in the box in all phases of open play. This abundance of possession saw Cryptians fizz the ball through the three quarters with centre Sam Smith releasing turbo charged full back Ed Gills to touchdown, with outside half Sam Maynard slotting the conversion.

At the restart Cryptians attacked deep into Lydney territory, but wave upon wave of attacks were impeded by a series of technical infringements at the breakdown which incurred the referee’s wrath. This allowed Lydney to clear the danger using outside half Reece Bakers howitzer of a boot. Cryptians retained their composure with winger Liam Swatteridge jinking and tiptoeing through the defence before off loading to lock Joe Smithard to barge over the whitewash. Cryptians grew in confidence and hammered away at the Lydney try line, but crunching tackling from the host wingers Ross Wyatt and Kyle Leech restricted the score to 12 points to nil at the break.

An inspirational talk from captain marvel Zak Mann saw Cryptians fire on all cylinders after the interval. At the kick off Cryptians lock Seb Desando retained possession and trundled forward interlinking well with mobile front row forwards Kieron McInnes and David Sadler. The ball was recycled to the Cryptians captain Mann who put his words into action by setting of on an arching run for the score. This fired Lydney into action with prop George Biddle rampaging into the heart of the Cryptians defence. However, Cryptians continued dominance in the set piece created mayhem and the marauding back row of Ben Gregory and Billy Trigg released scrum half Ben Conway to snipe blindside for a trademark try. Conway quickly secured his brace following beautiful handing from backs Chris Watson and Chad Crosby, with James Bluett drilling the extras from the touchline.

Lydney continued their kicking game plan with Cryptians replacement full back Sam Peacock displaying strength and determination under the high ball. A period of Cryptians pressure resulted in a further Smithard score and a fine individual try for three quarter Elias McGill after selling the opposition a stupendous dummy, with Bluett converting. As Lydney tired Cryptians number 8 James Priday and prop Matt Williams bludgeoned forward after stealing the opposition ball to allow Mann to add his second try. Cryptians scored their final touchdown in the last move of the game when Smithard completed his hat trick following a shortened line out.

The Cryptians man of the match was awarded to captain Zak Mann

Old Cryptians team: Ed Gills, Chris Watson, Zak Mann (captain), Sam Smith, Liam Swatteridge, Sam Maynard, Ben Conway, James Priday, Billy Trigg, Ben Gregory, Joseph Smithard, Seb Desando, Kieron McInnes, David Sadler, James Weaver. Replacements, Matt Williams, Elias McGill, Sam Peacock, Chad Crosby, James Bluett

Old Cryptians 46   Yatton  0

Old Cryptians had an entertaining game when they visited Yatton in Bristol. They started strongly as the ball was moved wide early to involve every one in the game. The first score of the season came after one such move inclusive move which saw flanker James Priday cross for the try.

Continued pressure from the Cryptians saw Zak Mann cross the line under the post shortly followed by Chris Watson who scored two tries on his debut for the team. Yatton fought back and attacked through their forwards but the defensive training through the summer saw Cryptians repel the challenge and keep their line intact.

 The blossoming centre combination saw Zak Man collect his second try and fellow centre and debutant Sam Smith open his account for the club with a try, which was an arching 40meter sprint to beat the cover. Ed Gills finished of a three quarter move which brought up the half time whistle.

 After the break changes to the formation were made but the running style of rugby prevailed. James Priday completed his hat trick of tries and Liam Swatteridge scored two well taken individual tries which illustrated his pace. The remaining tries were scored by prop James Weaver when he out sprinted the defense from 25 meters out, Ben Gregory who pressurized the outside half to collect the ball and score and No 8 Joe Smithard who broke from a scrum to score near the posts. Sam Maynard kicked 6 conversions and Jack Flounders kicked 2 . Man of the match was Chris Watson for his all-round contribution.  

 Old Cryptians team: Ed Gills, Liam Swatteridge, Zak Mann, Sam Smith, Chris Watson, Sam Maynard, Ben Conway, Kieran McInnes, Dave Sadler, James Weaver, Seb Desando, Jack Flounders, Billy Trigg, James Priday, Joe Smithard, Matt Williams, Ben Gregory, Elias McGill