Head's Newsletter 16 November 2018

The afternoon of the inaugural Cragg Cup could not have been better scripted, almost as if there was a celestial influence over events. Firstly, as if arranged by above, the weather was glorious. And secondly, the significance of the background to the event was appreciated and it felt like the spirit of ex-1st XV captain Matt Cragg was alive. Debbie Cragg, Matt’s mother, addressed all participants to explain the sad story of his sudden death at the age of just 21. She also spoke of how important playing rugby at Tiffin was to Matt and how special it is for her and the Cragg family that the tournament is played in his name. She struck the right chord prior to the start of the first matches and certainly inspired the Tiffin teams.

Tiffin A began well, winning both group games against Rutlish and Gunnersbury and progressed to the Cup semi-final where we faced Wallington. At full time in that game, the teams were locked at one score each and the match went to sudden death overtime. The robust Wallington defence that we had struggled to break through in normal time, showed a rare weakness and we advanced into their 22, probably for only the second time in the match. Good support and continuity meant that Tiffin applied extended pressure during a passage of play in which we kept the ball for 8 or 9 phases. Following strong attacks down both flanks, the more direct route proved effective and prop, Felix Turner, barged through the middle, with two defenders hanging off him, to score the decisive try.

Tiffin U13A team; Inaugural Cragg Cup winners, with coach Mr O’Connell, and Debbie Cragg