Cardiff Harlequins 13 - 3 Bath
SEMLA Intermediate Flags Final
14th March 2009
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For the second successive year, the SEMLA Flags Final threw together the top two teams in the West Division on centre stage. Bath went into the game as clear favourites, as a team on the verge of winning their division and promotion to the South of England Premiership, not to mention their 11-7 dismantling of Cardiff earlier this season. But it was Cardiff who rose to the occasion, dispelling fears that they cannot perform when it matters most, and turning in a display of such domination that Bath were held goalless for the last 55 minutes of the game.
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Wales midfielder Alan Croft gets Cardiff off the mark |
As could be expected, the early exchanges revealed a few nerves on both sides before Bath opened the scoring inside the first 3 minutes, as Quins’ defensive communication wavered. Indeed, Bath extended their lead shortly after and there were a few worried looks from the Cardiff support. However, Harlequins preparation for this game had focussed as much on the mental aspect as it had the physical, and there were no signs of panic from the field. Chris Lee won the next face off allowing Cardiff to settle into their offensive patterns, before Wales midfielder Alan Croft forced his way to the crease from behind goal to score with a superb jump shot. It was the spark Harlequins needed, and they were soon level thanks to a rasping effort from Adam Grey.
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Man of the Match, Phill Pexton |
By the end of the first quarter, the game remained tied at 2-2 but Harlequins were showing signs of momentum. Early wobbles in the defence were cleared up, as skipper Andy Morgan lead by example with a display of absolute control, whilst Rory Dewhurst continued his fine form keeping Bath’s excellent young attackman Mike Carey to a single goal. Back in December, Bath dictated the midfield battle and on these occasions, it’s the war between the restrainers which often determines the destination of the Flags title. Harlequins were rampant. Long stick midfielder Phill Pexton turned in yet another Man of the Match display, oozing aggression in defence and grabbing more ground balls than any other player on the field. That platform was not wasted and Cardiff’s attacking trio soon turned possession into goals. Attacker Will Barrett grabbed a second quarter hat-trick, whilst Scott Belland got the first of his 4 goals despite playing the entire game with a broken hand. It was hardly one-way traffic however, and Bath applied sizeable pressure with a 6 minute unbroken possession which generated four shots and two man-up situations. Despite the possession, Bath struggled to find a way through Quins’ backline of Morgan, Dewhurst, Pexton and the commanding Nick Panayidis, and when they did, found Cardiff’s indefatigable goalkeeper Matt Grindle in imperious form. Quins were in complete control throughout the second quarter adding another through the sparkling Mike Peters, whose off-ball movement caused havoc throughout the game and were well rewarded with a 7-3 halftime lead.
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Attackman Scott Belland takes the congratulations from his teammates. Belland lead the scoring with 4 goals for Cardiff |
If Cardiff’s defence was solid in the first half, it was nothing short of impenetrable in the second – timely slides, well-executed checks and some dazzling goaltending from Grindle gave Quins a second half shutout, allowing the offense to play with more freedom. Midfielders Rory Peters and Ben Fey covered virtually every blade of grass as Quins turned the screw, whilst goals came from Croft, Belland, Grey and Lee. Despite the ever-increasing margin, Harlequins did not have it all their own way and it was a mark of the verve with which they applied themselves that the attack continued to harry and hassle, whilst the midfield ran tirelessly and provided ample support for the defensive line. Lee, Fey and Nathan Harding shared face-off duties and provided a bedrock of possession for the Cardiff offense.
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Matt Grindle chalks up another save and sets Cardiff on the counter-attack |
Quins were irresistible. The final score of 13-3 does not flatter to deceive; this was a victory earned by a group of men playing their hearts out for the guy next to them. Every goal, every save, every loose ball won was met with roars of approval by Cardiff’s large group of travelling supporters – this was a day that will stand out in the history of the club, and live long in the memories of those involved.
Cardiff Harlequins squad for SEMLA Intermediate Flags Final 2009 |
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BACK ROW (l-r): Adam Grey, Alan Croft, Andy Morgan(c), Ben Fey, Matt Grindle
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