As the 2 teams in this encounter emerged from the warmth of the changing rooms into the biting cold north-easterly ripping across the Richardson Evans on Saturday, a couple of players from either side joked that we should just call it a draw and retire to the warmth of the clubhouse. Little did they know that 80 minutes of rugby later, that is exactly what would transpire. However, the quality of the match during those 80 minutes, and the late drama towards its end, kept supporters of both teams pitchside until the bitter end, a draw a fair result on the balance of play.
Both sides went into this rearranged encounter with a plethora of changes, so the portents for a fluid and open game were not good. The Cornish back row had certainly not played together previously, Ali Springer in at 6, Jamie Saunders at 7 and Tim Homan at 8. Full back Dan Phoenix stepped in to the 9 berth for the first time this season, with Alex Gee starting at 15 and Tom Havercroft on the wing. Cornish played away from the clubhouse, the match played on the 2nd pitch at the REMPF, which in fact was in great condition despite the morning snow showers. Chi were quickly on the board, though the score must be some kind of record for a penalty try and yellow card, coming as it did with their very first attack inside the opening couple of minutes. It took Cornish 5 minutes to respond and they did so whilst still a man down, prop Oli Low both the creator and the finisher, his deft inside ball spotting Skipper George Kimmins arriving at his shoulder on a great line to make an incision deep into the Chi 22, and then following a further driving run by hooker Jake Slade, Low was on hand to crash over the tryline by the posts, Kimmins levelling things up at 7-7. The next 20 minutes or so were punctuated by knock-ons and lineout throws blown completely away from the lines as both sides struggled for a time with the freshening conditions. The home side had a slight edge in the tight, and this was to prove decisive on 33 minutes when, from a buckling, retreating scrum, the Chi backs shipped loopy ball along the half-way line until bang in form Cornish wing Tom Jeffery stooped to intercept in midfield, him showing a clean pair of heals to the chasing throng, crossing for the try half way in to the posts, Kimmins landing a fine conversion across the howling wind to give his side a 14-7 lead. Chi responded again, their hooker and no 8 enjoying plenty of possession but first they knocked on when well placed, and then were halted by an accidental offside, the whistle seeing Cornish 7 points ahead at the break.
During the 1st half, the 2 coaching teams had taken the unusual step of agreeing a 12 minute half-time break back in the warmth of the changing rooms to minimise the chances of exposure. With the wind turning slightly in their favour now, the Sussex side would have fancied their chances of reversing the deficit in the second period, and they started well. On 45 minutes, and after an 18 phase attack that demonstrated tremendous control, Chi finally fashioned room for their right wing to angle infield where he was downed a couple of feet short of the line by Joe Donnelly. As the Cornish rearguard tried to regroup, one of the visitors front row was on hand to pick up and dive over for the try, this one not converted but the deficit reduced to 2. Once again, the exiles response was immediate, driving runs by Matt Hakes, James La Broy and Elliot Cave taking play deep into the Chi 22, before the visitors were caught offside in midfield, Kimmins taking the score out to 17-12 with 47 on the clock. With both sides playing attacking brands of rugby, it only took a further 3 minutes for the visitors to close the gap again, Cornish pinged for holding and the visiting kicker making it 17-15. The exiles withdrew the in-form Low for Jamie Robert-Tissot at this point. The wind seemed to pick up again at this point, and for a period neither side could gain the ascendancy, though Cornish can be grateful that a couple of loose kicks out on the full went unpunished. On 66 minutes the exiles lost another man to the bin for rucking offence and it did not take long for Chi to make them pay. Another concerted attack took play to the identical spot they had scored their previous try in the half, and again a lack of communication in the home d saw a Chi forward drive through some tiring bodies to score, the conversion drifting wide on the wind and taking the Sussex side out to a 20-17 lead. The try cost the home side more too, for both Donnelly and Havercroft suffered injuries and were replaced by Pete Calvert and Mark Shields. Chi's tactics changed now, more kicks driven deep into the exiles territory trying to keep the home side pinned in their 22. However, they kept on picking out Jeffery, and the giant wing thrives on such ball, returning it with interest on 73 before the visitors were pinged for slowing the ball down just inside their half. Kimmins gave the attempt everything, but in the heavy conditions it just dipped beneath the crossbar. Would Cornish get another chance? The answer was yes! La Broy, Calvert and Cave combined to drive play into the Chi half, and with the referee imploring the visitors to stay onside, their prop flew out of the line offside to be pinged on the 10 metre line right of centre. This time Kimmins strike was a belter, the kick flying way over the uprights to level up the scores at 20 all, just a couple of minutes remaining. In the final few minutes, the home side had territorial advantage but couldn't elicit a penalty, and a long range drop goal attempt flew wide with the final kick to end the game, the draw a fair result.
Chichester have consolidated after their galling relegation last season, and have demonstrated they have the capability to beat the best sides in the league with wins against each of the top 2. There remain good bonds between the 2 clubs, and we look forward to seeing them again next season.
This match was a further indication that Cornish have turned a corner, both in terms of performance and results. The cohesion shown here will serve them well in the closing weeks, and the squad have a singular focus in their sights...