Tigers Extras V Cambridge University

By Tigerstart
October 16 2002

The Tigers Extras have taken a back seat, especially since the U21s are in a newly structured league. With a reduced fixture list and with only one game under their belt, a heavy loss away at Gloucester 24-3, the Extras faced Cambridge University.

Th Cambridge team included Leicester's former wing cum full-back Ali Newmarch at No.12. Combining first team experience with some down-under leadership, as well as giving younger players a chance, Tigers Extras put together a convincing 47-27 victory.

The pressure from Tigers pack showed within a minute, as Captain Kronfeld was underneath the rolling maul to touch down, with Vesty adding a wide conversion. Cambridge countered with a penalty. In a classic first-team manoeuvre, line-out, catch and drive saw Josh over for his second try of the game, extending Tigers lead to 14-3. Cambridge intercepted loose ball from Tigers ruck, but couldn't find the line, only two converted penalties.

Cambridge looked to exploit Tigers backline, as their kicked over the top of the defence, when Leicester were on their own line, and swift hands passed down the line, but they were hauled into touch. The Extras snatched a Cambridge line-out, but were penalised for infringing but the ubiquitous Kronfeld turned over the position and earnt Tigers a scrum. The extras used possession intelligently, as they often went wide, were Booth ran in from full-back, obviously having taken lessons from Stimpson. After a penalty, lineout and drive, Tigers earnt another penalty and kicked to the corner but their pressure did not bring another score. Two tries were scored in quick succession before the interval, as clean line-out possession was spun out wide, where Booth nipped in and after a Kronfeld break, Booth ran on and feed outside to Billig who cut inside to dive under the posts. Vesty added both conversions, leaving the Extras with a 28-12 cushion at halftime.

Tigers started the second-half by running the game, as hooker Butland was the man neatly placed to latch onto a scoring pass, out wide, but he was brought down into touch. The Extras pack drove Cambridge back and Hamilton was at the base and scored, with McMullen adding the conversion. Both teams changed a significant number of players, as Coles (Booth), Wheeler, Morley, Glitherow and man-about-town Tournaire came on.

Lack of any tackling, as the players were at Tesco's, saw former team-mate Newmarch dive under the posts, with Edwards adding the conversion. Despite adding another try at the death by Robinson and a penalty, Cambridge couldn't compete with a stronger pack and able backs, despite stretching Tigers defence and tackling skills. Naufahu added to his experience by running in, as he cleared the defence, and Coles stretched his legs with a good winning run.

How all of the Cambridge players qualified to play for the University was a mystery, as some looked old enough to be in the veteran side, or perhaps it was the effect from playing under flood lights. The Extras front row is powerful and commanding, Short and Johsnon grafted well and Hamilton and Vesty both provided good service. It was welcoming to see Balding back in business, as well as Kronfeld putting in a committed performance and captaining the side. A combination of young players with first teamers provided the Extras with a solid base for a comfortable and entertaining victory.

Scoring sequence:
1 min Tigers try Kronfeld and con Vesty 7-0
9 mins Cambridge pen Edwards 7-3
10 mins Tigers try Kronfeld and con Vesty 14-3
13 mins Cambridge pen Edwards 14-6
18 mins Cambridge pen Edwards 14-9
22 mins Cambridge pen Edwards 14-12
38 mins Tigers try Booth and con Vesty 21-12
40 mins Tigers try Billig and con Vesty 28-12

49 mins Tigers try Hamilton and con McMullen 33-12
53 mins Cambrdige try Newmarch and con Edwards 33-19
56 mins Cambridge pen Edwards 33-22
59 mins Tigers try Naufahu and con McMullen 40-22
70 mins Tigers try Coles and con McMullen 47-22
84 mins Cambridge try Robinson and con Edwards 47-27

Date: Monday 14th October 2002
Time: 7pm k/o
Weather: Cold and damp but good enough for a free Monday evening out
Crowd: 500 (ish)
Referee: Didn't get his name
PA system: OB! (rather good luvies!)

Tigers Team:
15 Steve Booth
14 James Hersey
13 Jo Naufahu
12 Craig McMullen
11 Adam Billig
10 Sam Vesty
9 Jamie Hamilton
1 Michael Holford
2 James Buckland
3 Ricky Nebbett
4 Peter Short
5 Rob Hurrell
6 Will Johnson
7 Josh Kronfeld (Captain)
8 Adam Balding
Replacements: James Henry, Franck Tournaire, Lee Morley, Ben Wheeler, Brett Deacon, Tim Taylor, Tom Coles, Steve Glitherow and Will Rolt (most were used)

Bristol Team:
15 Dan McGrath
14 Simon Kingsbur
13 Phil Stevens
12 Ali Newmarch
11 Tim Sexton
10 Owen Edwards
9 Tim Sinnett
1 Rudolf Bosch
2 Chris Collins
3 Jason Reilly
4 Gavin Webster
5 Angus Innis
6 Owen Scrimgeour
7 Richard Girvan
8 Stu Eru
Replacements: don't know but a lot were used, as the PA system couldn’t keep up with them!