Cantabrigian fall to Old Cooperians defeat

No joy for Cantabrigian in season opener

Cantabrigian had a difficult start to the new season in London League 2NE as they were beaten 23-12 by Old Cooperians.

Cantabs were a little short in the front row because of injuries, against an Old Cooperians side who had been promoted as champions of 3NE after a 17-match unbeaten run.

The visitors got the first score of the game, with their winger taking the ball in the centre, beating a couple of defenders, cutting inside and out and then reaching out to touch down, with the conversion also successful.

But immediately from the restart, Cooperians spilt the ball and James Hayward jinked one way then the other before diving over close to the posts for the try, and he also added the conversion to make it 7-7.

When Cantabs were caught offside, Cooperians landed the penalty to go 10-7 ahead, and the lead was increased when the hosts were penalised again for the same event to make it 13-7 at half time.

Finn Morrison was sin binned in the second half for an offence at the breakdown, and Cooperians landed the penalty to make it 16-7.

The visitors went further ahead through a dominant scrum which led to a try by the posts.

Hayward booted a couple of kicks into the 22, and Cantabs tried the rolling maul for a second time which led to Dave Evershed taking a quick tap penalty to touch down, which made the final score 23-12.