Kilburn Cosmos 10 - Harlequins Amateurs 15
Different opponent, same result for the Kilburn Cosmos 1st XV as once again they lost a close game that was theirs for the taking. This time they went down 15-10 to top 4 placed Harlequins Amateurs on the boggy ground of Tiverton Green on Saturday.
Kilburn were confident of a good performance but once again a poor start left them chasing the game. Within the first ten minutes good field position gained by Quins saw them attack the blindside in the Cosmos 22 and a miscommunication saw 2 defenders tackling the flyhalf who off loaded to the unmarked winger who cantered in for a very soft try and opened up an early 5-0 lead to Quins.
Kilburn replied strongly but could never really get a roll on. Promising moves quickly broke down with bad passes, dropped balls or turnovers from isolated players and lack of support.
A raid into Quins territory saw the Cosmos with an attacking lineout deep in the Quins 22. Unfortunately the lineout ball was tapped down by Tom O’Connor straight into a Quins loosies hands. A poor attempt at a ball and all tackle by centre Richey Cunninghame allowed Quins to quickly move the ball to their backs who had a 2 man overlap with Cunninghame and fly half And Allan out of the picture after having to tackle the Quins forwards. The Quins backs used this unexpected ball brilliantly to score in the corner 80 metres down the field despite howls of protests over the last pass being forward. This was converted to leave the score 12-0 to Quins.
Bouncing back another Cosmos foray into the Quins 22 resulted in a penalty which Allan duly knocked over to make it 12-3 and finally get the Cosmos points on the board.
Apart from the 2 early tries the Quins offered little in the backs that troubled Kilburn but they themselves could make little headway with messy ball coming to fly half Andy Allan which hampered the backline. The most significant player in the first half was the Quins flyhalf who kept turning the Cosmos around with an excellent kicking game. Using the low sun he gave the Cosmos back three a very testing time and constantly got Quins into Cosmos territory.
With the half time score 12-3 Cosmos definitely felt like they were still in the game and were confident they could come back for the win.
The second half was pretty even with Kilburn dominating with the ball in hand but Quins still able to relieve the pressure and gain territory with their excellent kicking game and they got an early penalty to extend their lead to 15-3.
Eventually the Cosmos had reward for their toil with concerted pressure on the Quins line resulting in fly half Andy Allan bursting through for the try which he converted himself to make the score 15-10.
Kilburn had another great chance soon after when a charge down saw Peter Donaldson scoop up the ball on the Quins 22 and offload to Cunninghame but good scrambling defence and a lack of pace quickly saw him chopped down, ever present flanker Aly Bursey toed the resulting ball through but it just went dead in goal before he could reach it.
The last 15 minutes saw Kilburn mounting frenzied attacks to score the winning points but they could not find the try they were looking for and another win went begging.
The forwards played well once again with an excellent scrum dominating the opposition but did not seem to quite have the urgency they had displayed in recent weeks. It was only towards the end of the game when they really started to threaten with their fast paced offloading game with Aly Bursey and Declan Magee at the forefront.
The backs looked dangerous at times but a lack of good ball coming to fly half Allan and some poor options and hands did not help. Dan Riley, while having a difficult day with the high ball, popped up with some excellent runs and wings Wilson, Coane and Taguri looked threatening with the limited ball they received.
Injuries affected the Cosmos second half with halfback Liam MacManus having to be replaced after suffering a torn hamstring, prop Ben Zaug injuring his shoulder, no 8 Kurt Shrubsole having to go to the bloodbin and Cunninghame spending the last 20 minutes halfblind but these were no excuse for not coming through for the win.
The man of the match and 3 MVP points was given to flanker Aly Bursey for a typically industrious game with big John Fenlon getting 2 MVP points and Scott Aitken in his return from a nose job 1.
The loss leaves Kilburn with only one win from 8 and second last on the table with one game to go before the half way point.
Kilburn 10 (Andy Allan try, con, pen) Harlequins 10
Team: Hayden McKenzie, Declan Magee, Ben Zaug, John Fenlon, Tom O’Connor, Aly Bursey, Scott Aitken(c), Kurt Shrubsole, Liam MacManus, Andy Allan, Hayden Wilson, Richey Cunninghame, Peter Donaldson, Chris Coane, Dan Riley. Res: Phil Morgan, Paul Ledington, Mo Taguri
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Kilburn Cosmos 1st XV vs Old Abbotstonians - 15th November 2008
Kilburn Cosmos 25 - Old Abbotstonians 30
Kilburn Cosmos were sunk by a last minute try in a close encounter with Old Abbotstonians on Saturday at Tiverton Green.
Despite dominating the set piece, stealing much of the oppositions’ ball, and generally getting off to a good start, Kilburn could not capitalise and failed to put points on the board early.
In a physical, end to end game, Kilburn’s opening play saw them push the visitors right back to their own line, only to lose the ball and quickly be driven back to their own 22 where an eagle-eyed Abbotstonian player took sharp chance at a drop goal and put the home side three points down.
Kilburn hit back straight away and levelled with a penalty kick from 30 metres, slotted by fly half Chris Garvey. With the upper hand in the set pieces thanks to hooker Declan McGee, props Scott Hughes and Phil Morgan and lock John Fenlon, Kilburn were establishing a dominant position in the game and were quickly up to 6-3 when the visitors conceded another penalty in range of Garvey’s boot.
Kilburn lost their edge though after notching up another 7 points when Garvey converted McGee’s brilliant solo try which came from a powerful burst through the middle of a ruck on the Abbots 22m line, giving him a clear run at their try line. Almost as soon as Kilburn sat back, the visitors fought their way up the field and took two soft tries and a penalty. Kilburn rallied, with a Hayden Wilson try from long range, again converted by Garvey.
With the narrowest of leads running up to the interval, Kilburn suffered the loss of Garvey and Fenlon in an unlucky head clash, both being hospitalised. The scores at half time were a precarious 20 points to 18.
Kilburn toiled in the start of the second half, their scrum weakened by the loss of Hughes and Fenlon. Replacement prop Ben Zaug and McGee put in a huge effort to shore up the scrum and eventually Cosmos were firing again after a decidedly shaky third quarter. Aly Bursey answered the visitors opening score of the second half with an uncoverted effort of his own, keeping the home side up 25-23.
For the last 20 minutes the game reached a rare level of intensity, with everything still to play for. The ball moved from end to end with everyone putting in everything they had. Kilburn came close to scoring again when prop Phil Morgan made a 30 metre break down field to set up a move well inside the opposition’s half who had to scramble back to stop a try. In the end though it was the visitors who found the extra energy to burst over with a last gasp try to sink Cosmos 25-30 in the dying seconds.
Kilburn 25 (D Magee, H Wilson, A Bursey tries, C Garvey 2 conversions, 1 penalty, S Whyte penalty) Old Abbotstonians 30
Team: P Morgan, D Magee(C), S Hughes, J Fenlon, A Butcher, J Trout, A Bursey, K Shrubsole, L MacManus, C Garvey, M Taguri, H Dawkins, H Wilson, C Coane, D Riley. Reserve: B Zaug, M King, S Whyte
Kilburn Cosmos were sunk by a last minute try in a close encounter with Old Abbotstonians on Saturday at Tiverton Green.
Despite dominating the set piece, stealing much of the oppositions’ ball, and generally getting off to a good start, Kilburn could not capitalise and failed to put points on the board early.
In a physical, end to end game, Kilburn’s opening play saw them push the visitors right back to their own line, only to lose the ball and quickly be driven back to their own 22 where an eagle-eyed Abbotstonian player took sharp chance at a drop goal and put the home side three points down.
Kilburn hit back straight away and levelled with a penalty kick from 30 metres, slotted by fly half Chris Garvey. With the upper hand in the set pieces thanks to hooker Declan McGee, props Scott Hughes and Phil Morgan and lock John Fenlon, Kilburn were establishing a dominant position in the game and were quickly up to 6-3 when the visitors conceded another penalty in range of Garvey’s boot.
Kilburn lost their edge though after notching up another 7 points when Garvey converted McGee’s brilliant solo try which came from a powerful burst through the middle of a ruck on the Abbots 22m line, giving him a clear run at their try line. Almost as soon as Kilburn sat back, the visitors fought their way up the field and took two soft tries and a penalty. Kilburn rallied, with a Hayden Wilson try from long range, again converted by Garvey.
With the narrowest of leads running up to the interval, Kilburn suffered the loss of Garvey and Fenlon in an unlucky head clash, both being hospitalised. The scores at half time were a precarious 20 points to 18.
Kilburn toiled in the start of the second half, their scrum weakened by the loss of Hughes and Fenlon. Replacement prop Ben Zaug and McGee put in a huge effort to shore up the scrum and eventually Cosmos were firing again after a decidedly shaky third quarter. Aly Bursey answered the visitors opening score of the second half with an uncoverted effort of his own, keeping the home side up 25-23.
For the last 20 minutes the game reached a rare level of intensity, with everything still to play for. The ball moved from end to end with everyone putting in everything they had. Kilburn came close to scoring again when prop Phil Morgan made a 30 metre break down field to set up a move well inside the opposition’s half who had to scramble back to stop a try. In the end though it was the visitors who found the extra energy to burst over with a last gasp try to sink Cosmos 25-30 in the dying seconds.
Kilburn 25 (D Magee, H Wilson, A Bursey tries, C Garvey 2 conversions, 1 penalty, S Whyte penalty) Old Abbotstonians 30
Team: P Morgan, D Magee(C), S Hughes, J Fenlon, A Butcher, J Trout, A Bursey, K Shrubsole, L MacManus, C Garvey, M Taguri, H Dawkins, H Wilson, C Coane, D Riley. Reserve: B Zaug, M King, S Whyte
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Kilburn Cosmos 2nd XV vs Chiswick IIs - 8th Nov 2008
Kilburn 12 - Chiswick 38
Kilburn 12(J Horsfall, H Wilson tries, Horsfall con)
Team: C Smith, E Horn-Smith, B Zaug, L Porter, J Trout, D Magee, D Loftus, K Shrubsole, L MacManus, J Horsfall, T Ross, H Dawkins, G Bothomley, A Gbinigie, H Wilson. Reserves: R Cunninghame, A Nolan, A Koporo, N Coghlan
Kilburn 12(J Horsfall, H Wilson tries, Horsfall con)
Team: C Smith, E Horn-Smith, B Zaug, L Porter, J Trout, D Magee, D Loftus, K Shrubsole, L MacManus, J Horsfall, T Ross, H Dawkins, G Bothomley, A Gbinigie, H Wilson. Reserves: R Cunninghame, A Nolan, A Koporo, N Coghlan
Friday, November 7, 2008
Kilburn Cosmos 2nd XV vs Old Actonians IIs - 1st November 2008
Kilburn Cosmos 5 - Old Actonians IIs 45
The 2nd XV lost heavily to a good Old Actonians side in terrible conditions at Tiverton Green.
Gary Bothomley scored Kilburns try and Mike King was judged Man of the match
Kilburn 5(Gary Bothomley try)
Team: Chris Smith, Jon Church, Phil Brides, Andy Butcher, Kurt Shrubsole, Ed Horn-Smith, Mike King, Shayne Whyte, Jesse Foden, Willie Wyrill, Andy Gbinigie, Hayden Dawkins, Gary Bothomley, JP Le Rouzic, Hamish Harris, Ben Larby, Leon Dunn, Anthony Koporo
The 2nd XV lost heavily to a good Old Actonians side in terrible conditions at Tiverton Green.
Gary Bothomley scored Kilburns try and Mike King was judged Man of the match
Kilburn 5(Gary Bothomley try)
Team: Chris Smith, Jon Church, Phil Brides, Andy Butcher, Kurt Shrubsole, Ed Horn-Smith, Mike King, Shayne Whyte, Jesse Foden, Willie Wyrill, Andy Gbinigie, Hayden Dawkins, Gary Bothomley, JP Le Rouzic, Hamish Harris, Ben Larby, Leon Dunn, Anthony Koporo
Kilburn Cosmos 1st XV vs Old Millhillians - 1st Nov 2008
Kilburn Cosmos 63 - Old Millhillians 7
Rampant Kilburn ran in 11 tries as they finally notched their first league win of the season by thrashing basement side Old Millhillians 63-7 on Saturday.
The Cosmos were clearly the stronger side in all areas, dominating the scrums and taking a record 13 tightheads, while their handling was excellent in difficult conditions.
Almost every put-in by an understrength Millhillians side ended up at the feet of Kilburn No 8 Tom O'Connor and the locks and loose forwards all sparkled with the ball in hand.
O'Connor and Aly Bursey made numerous breaks and the Kilburn backs all used the ball to good effect, moving it wide for the wingers to score - even if sloppy forward passes cost them the chance to run in even more tries.
John Fenlon dominated the lineout, ably supported by Ben Zaug and Ehi Alonge, while Mo Taguri was the Cosmos' top points-scorer with a hat-trick of tries.
Declan Magee added two, while Andy Allan, Chris Garvey, Chris Coane, Peter Donaldson, Paul Ledington and Matt Fenlon all got their names on the scoresheet and Garvey completed four conversions.
Millhillians never gave up but, although their staunch defending at the start of the second half denied Kilburn for nearly a quarter of the game, they were thoroughly outclassed by the visitors' superior team effort.
Fly-half Andy Allan was voted MVP for an excellent game directing the team around the paddock while Mo Taguri and John Fenlon were equal 2nd
Kilburn 63 (Mohammed Taguri 3, Declan Magee 2, Andy Allan, Chris Garvey, Peter Donaldson, Chris Coane, Paul Ledington, Matt Fenlon tries, Garvey 4 conversions) Old Millhillians 7
Team: Zaug, Magee, Alonge, J Fenlon, Ledington, Bursey, Aitken(C), O'Connor, MacManus, Allan, Taguri, Cunninghame, Donaldson, Coane, Garvey. Replacements: Trout, Riley, M Fenlon.
Rampant Kilburn ran in 11 tries as they finally notched their first league win of the season by thrashing basement side Old Millhillians 63-7 on Saturday.
The Cosmos were clearly the stronger side in all areas, dominating the scrums and taking a record 13 tightheads, while their handling was excellent in difficult conditions.
Almost every put-in by an understrength Millhillians side ended up at the feet of Kilburn No 8 Tom O'Connor and the locks and loose forwards all sparkled with the ball in hand.
O'Connor and Aly Bursey made numerous breaks and the Kilburn backs all used the ball to good effect, moving it wide for the wingers to score - even if sloppy forward passes cost them the chance to run in even more tries.
John Fenlon dominated the lineout, ably supported by Ben Zaug and Ehi Alonge, while Mo Taguri was the Cosmos' top points-scorer with a hat-trick of tries.
Declan Magee added two, while Andy Allan, Chris Garvey, Chris Coane, Peter Donaldson, Paul Ledington and Matt Fenlon all got their names on the scoresheet and Garvey completed four conversions.
Millhillians never gave up but, although their staunch defending at the start of the second half denied Kilburn for nearly a quarter of the game, they were thoroughly outclassed by the visitors' superior team effort.
Fly-half Andy Allan was voted MVP for an excellent game directing the team around the paddock while Mo Taguri and John Fenlon were equal 2nd
Kilburn 63 (Mohammed Taguri 3, Declan Magee 2, Andy Allan, Chris Garvey, Peter Donaldson, Chris Coane, Paul Ledington, Matt Fenlon tries, Garvey 4 conversions) Old Millhillians 7
Team: Zaug, Magee, Alonge, J Fenlon, Ledington, Bursey, Aitken(C), O'Connor, MacManus, Allan, Taguri, Cunninghame, Donaldson, Coane, Garvey. Replacements: Trout, Riley, M Fenlon.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Kilburn Ladies vs Marlow - 26th October 2006
Kilburn 10 - Marlow 15
In their third league game of the season, Kilburn suffered a disappointing 15-10 loss to league new-comers Marlow.
They had several key players unavailable, and were unfortunate to lose winger Millie Paakkola to injury during the warm-up with a painful dislocated shoulder.
Kilburn started the game strongly, matching Marlow for pace and defending well, resulting in a frustrated opposition giving away several penalties within the first twenty minutes. Although the forwards looked strong in rucks and set-pieces, they failed to capitalise and the score remained 0-0.
Halfway through the first half, however, Marlow managed to get the ball out to their pacey winger, and despite a valiant attempted tackle by Cosmos' rookie Louise Challenger, she managed to slip through and score Marlow's first try. A second breakaway try followed soon after, and as the half-time whistle blew, Kilburn looked disconsolate.
After the break, however, Kilburn came out fighting and for the first ten minutes Marlow could not get a glimpse of the ball, despite their best efforts.
The Kilburn forwards looked well-drilled in attack, powering forward and getting the ball out to player of the day Lucy Zaug at centre, who sprinted past the Marlow defence to run the length of the pitch for the Cosmos' first try. Jen Spano narrowly missed converting.
This gave the Cosmos' the kick-start they needed, and for the next ten minutes all the play was in the Marlow half. Again the forwards made ground, with Lee Sinclair at half-back getting quick ball out to Ariana Ropiha at fly-half, who passed out to the aptly named Suzanne Marlow at outside centre. She made a storming run and was only five metres from the try-line when a crunching tackle pushed her out into touch. Despite a great line-out from hooker Liz Frankiln, Marlow had numbers out in the backs and again scored a breakaway try at the opposite end. After the re-start, Kilburn again showed grit and determination with the forwards making ground and exploiting a tiring Marlow side.
Once again it was Suzanne Marlow who used her pace to outrun the opposition, capitalising on a slick pass from lock Kay Smales to run in their second try from the half-way line. Jen Spano's attempted conversion hit the post.
Despite the loss, Kilburn remain third in the league table after 3 matches, and host bottom club Slough in a fortnight's time.
In their third league game of the season, Kilburn suffered a disappointing 15-10 loss to league new-comers Marlow.
They had several key players unavailable, and were unfortunate to lose winger Millie Paakkola to injury during the warm-up with a painful dislocated shoulder.
Kilburn started the game strongly, matching Marlow for pace and defending well, resulting in a frustrated opposition giving away several penalties within the first twenty minutes. Although the forwards looked strong in rucks and set-pieces, they failed to capitalise and the score remained 0-0.
Halfway through the first half, however, Marlow managed to get the ball out to their pacey winger, and despite a valiant attempted tackle by Cosmos' rookie Louise Challenger, she managed to slip through and score Marlow's first try. A second breakaway try followed soon after, and as the half-time whistle blew, Kilburn looked disconsolate.
After the break, however, Kilburn came out fighting and for the first ten minutes Marlow could not get a glimpse of the ball, despite their best efforts.
The Kilburn forwards looked well-drilled in attack, powering forward and getting the ball out to player of the day Lucy Zaug at centre, who sprinted past the Marlow defence to run the length of the pitch for the Cosmos' first try. Jen Spano narrowly missed converting.
This gave the Cosmos' the kick-start they needed, and for the next ten minutes all the play was in the Marlow half. Again the forwards made ground, with Lee Sinclair at half-back getting quick ball out to Ariana Ropiha at fly-half, who passed out to the aptly named Suzanne Marlow at outside centre. She made a storming run and was only five metres from the try-line when a crunching tackle pushed her out into touch. Despite a great line-out from hooker Liz Frankiln, Marlow had numbers out in the backs and again scored a breakaway try at the opposite end. After the re-start, Kilburn again showed grit and determination with the forwards making ground and exploiting a tiring Marlow side.
Once again it was Suzanne Marlow who used her pace to outrun the opposition, capitalising on a slick pass from lock Kay Smales to run in their second try from the half-way line. Jen Spano's attempted conversion hit the post.
Despite the loss, Kilburn remain third in the league table after 3 matches, and host bottom club Slough in a fortnight's time.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Lord Thorpe announces retirement
In a sad note Lord James Thorpe, esq. announced his retirement(for the 3rd time) after Saturdays game after injuring his troublesome knee playing touch in the warmup and then aggravating a neck injury during the game.
Thorpey is one of the longest serving clubmen for the Cosmos and has been an excellent wing/centre/fullback with a great tryscoring record.
Hopefully he will spend his Saturdays quaffing gin on the sidelines of DS Park and cheering on his teammates rather than in the Thorpe Empire corporate box at Sixways.
We look forward to the retirement/engagement party at Thorpe Manor in the near future
Thorpey is one of the longest serving clubmen for the Cosmos and has been an excellent wing/centre/fullback with a great tryscoring record.
Hopefully he will spend his Saturdays quaffing gin on the sidelines of DS Park and cheering on his teammates rather than in the Thorpe Empire corporate box at Sixways.
We look forward to the retirement/engagement party at Thorpe Manor in the near future
Kilburn Cosmos 1st XV vs Old Actonians - 11th Oct 2008
Kilburn Cosmos 14 - Old Actonians 17
The Kilburn Cosmos 1st XV continued their frustrating season with another close loss to a team that was there for the taking in a narrow 17-14 away defeat to Old Actonians on Saturday.
Kilburns exasperating ability to let teams back into the game and failure to take advantage of their strengths were on show once again with an early 7-0 lead to the Cosmos turning into a 17-7 halftime deficit.
The first 20 minutes was all Kilburn and they should have managed to put more points on the board than a solitary converted try. Centre Pete Donaldson just about scored a sensational try after 10 minutes, beating half a dozen players and dragging 3 over the line before losing the ball. He made amends 5 minutes later bursting through some weak midfield defence, beating the fullback and scoring under the posts. This was converted by Chris Garvey to give them a 7-0 lead. At this stage Kilburn were well in control, the backs were making breaks everytime they touched the ball and were ably supported by the loosies Aly Bursey, Chris Protherough and Shayne Whyte.
Actonians saw the threat and reacted by keeping the ball in their forwards for the next quarter. They tightened the game up and took control. Driving mauls and one off runners saw them control possession and territory and camp in the Cosmos 22. Several attacks were defended well by Kilburn but an unfortunate mistake by Garvey from a mark saw Actonians mount an attack from a scrum close to Kilburns line and a forward crashed over for the try which was converted and the scores tied at 7-7 all after 25 minutes.
Actonians kept up their forwards orientated tactics for the rest of the half and aided by some elusive running from their fly-half close to the ruck controlled the game well. Eventually they scored another converted try from close range through the forwards and a late penalty gave them a 17-7 halftime scoreline.
Kilburn had to strike back immediately in the second half to have a chance and they did just that. Centre Richey Cunninghame ran on to a well weighted kick by Aly Bursey which was left to bounce by the As backs. The ball was quickly shifted out to the wing where hard running replacement Mo Taguri went through his opposite to score. Garvey converted and it made the score 17-14.
With Donaldson and Taguri creating havoc every time they touched the ball it seemed only a matter of time before Kilburn would score again to take the lead. However scrappy ball from scrums and lineouts meant the backs were not given the ball they needed to win the game. No 8 Shayne Whyte was forced to tidy up and run most scrum ball in the 2nd half that should have been given to the backs.
The Kilburn forwards also seemed to run out of puff during the second stanza with ball runners left isolated by their teammates which allowed Actonians to steal what should have been certain Kilburn ball. The Kilburn backs were also guilty on occasions of not protecting the ball when making promising bursts which led to turnovers. These mistakes and the lack of fitness are the difference between Kilburn winning the tight games or continuing with their run of frustrating narrow defeats.
The penalty count was very even and discipline was much improved on last week but a telling statistic was the fact that Kilburn gave away 3 penalties 5 metres out from the opposition try line and another 2 within the Actonians 22. These penalties were killer blows to Kilburns chances.
Despite spurning these attacking opportunities Kilburn had 2 great chances to win or at least draw in the last 5 minutes. A scrum 8 metres from the As line had fly-half Andy Allan and Cunninghame certain they had the match winning try lined up between then but again the ball didn’t get to the backline. Then a penalty from concerted pressure in the As 22 gave Garvey the chance to draw the game but he just pushed his kick wide.
So once again Kilburn couldn’t do enough to get the 2 points with the score remaining 17-14 to Actonians at the final whistle.
This leaves the Cosmos stuck with fellow cellar dwellers Old Abbotstonians and Old Millhillians on 0 wins from 4 games and a lot of work to do to avoid relegation.
The forward pack had a solid game but lacked a bit of aggression to take the game to Actonians and were a bit slow at times to the breakdowns. Flankers Protherough and Bursey had excellent games and replacement flanker Mike King produced some excellent hits in the second half.
The backline looked good throughout the match but suffered from a lack of good ball in the second half and some sloppy handling and lack of variety at times. Gavin Smith had a very solid game on the wing in his 1st XV debut and Mo Taguri looks like he could be a dangerman out wide with his powerful running.
Man of the match was centre Peter Donaldson who broke the line everytime he touched the ball and was solid on defence. There was a three way tie for 2nd shared by hard running winger Mo Taguri, flanker Aly Bursey and captain Declan Magee who turned in another excellent game.
Kilburn 14 (Peter Donaldson, Mohammed Taguri tries, Chris Garvey 2 conversions) Old Actonians 17 (2 tries, 2 conversions, 1 penalty)
Team: P Morgan, D Magee(C), H McKenzie, A Butcher, J Fenlon, C Protherough, A Bursey, S Whyte, L MacManus, A Allan, G Smith, R Cunninghame, P Donaldson, J Thorpe, C Garvey. Reserves- R Nunes, M Taguri, M King
The Kilburn Cosmos 1st XV continued their frustrating season with another close loss to a team that was there for the taking in a narrow 17-14 away defeat to Old Actonians on Saturday.
Kilburns exasperating ability to let teams back into the game and failure to take advantage of their strengths were on show once again with an early 7-0 lead to the Cosmos turning into a 17-7 halftime deficit.
The first 20 minutes was all Kilburn and they should have managed to put more points on the board than a solitary converted try. Centre Pete Donaldson just about scored a sensational try after 10 minutes, beating half a dozen players and dragging 3 over the line before losing the ball. He made amends 5 minutes later bursting through some weak midfield defence, beating the fullback and scoring under the posts. This was converted by Chris Garvey to give them a 7-0 lead. At this stage Kilburn were well in control, the backs were making breaks everytime they touched the ball and were ably supported by the loosies Aly Bursey, Chris Protherough and Shayne Whyte.
Actonians saw the threat and reacted by keeping the ball in their forwards for the next quarter. They tightened the game up and took control. Driving mauls and one off runners saw them control possession and territory and camp in the Cosmos 22. Several attacks were defended well by Kilburn but an unfortunate mistake by Garvey from a mark saw Actonians mount an attack from a scrum close to Kilburns line and a forward crashed over for the try which was converted and the scores tied at 7-7 all after 25 minutes.
Actonians kept up their forwards orientated tactics for the rest of the half and aided by some elusive running from their fly-half close to the ruck controlled the game well. Eventually they scored another converted try from close range through the forwards and a late penalty gave them a 17-7 halftime scoreline.
Kilburn had to strike back immediately in the second half to have a chance and they did just that. Centre Richey Cunninghame ran on to a well weighted kick by Aly Bursey which was left to bounce by the As backs. The ball was quickly shifted out to the wing where hard running replacement Mo Taguri went through his opposite to score. Garvey converted and it made the score 17-14.
With Donaldson and Taguri creating havoc every time they touched the ball it seemed only a matter of time before Kilburn would score again to take the lead. However scrappy ball from scrums and lineouts meant the backs were not given the ball they needed to win the game. No 8 Shayne Whyte was forced to tidy up and run most scrum ball in the 2nd half that should have been given to the backs.
The Kilburn forwards also seemed to run out of puff during the second stanza with ball runners left isolated by their teammates which allowed Actonians to steal what should have been certain Kilburn ball. The Kilburn backs were also guilty on occasions of not protecting the ball when making promising bursts which led to turnovers. These mistakes and the lack of fitness are the difference between Kilburn winning the tight games or continuing with their run of frustrating narrow defeats.
The penalty count was very even and discipline was much improved on last week but a telling statistic was the fact that Kilburn gave away 3 penalties 5 metres out from the opposition try line and another 2 within the Actonians 22. These penalties were killer blows to Kilburns chances.
Despite spurning these attacking opportunities Kilburn had 2 great chances to win or at least draw in the last 5 minutes. A scrum 8 metres from the As line had fly-half Andy Allan and Cunninghame certain they had the match winning try lined up between then but again the ball didn’t get to the backline. Then a penalty from concerted pressure in the As 22 gave Garvey the chance to draw the game but he just pushed his kick wide.
So once again Kilburn couldn’t do enough to get the 2 points with the score remaining 17-14 to Actonians at the final whistle.
This leaves the Cosmos stuck with fellow cellar dwellers Old Abbotstonians and Old Millhillians on 0 wins from 4 games and a lot of work to do to avoid relegation.
The forward pack had a solid game but lacked a bit of aggression to take the game to Actonians and were a bit slow at times to the breakdowns. Flankers Protherough and Bursey had excellent games and replacement flanker Mike King produced some excellent hits in the second half.
The backline looked good throughout the match but suffered from a lack of good ball in the second half and some sloppy handling and lack of variety at times. Gavin Smith had a very solid game on the wing in his 1st XV debut and Mo Taguri looks like he could be a dangerman out wide with his powerful running.
Man of the match was centre Peter Donaldson who broke the line everytime he touched the ball and was solid on defence. There was a three way tie for 2nd shared by hard running winger Mo Taguri, flanker Aly Bursey and captain Declan Magee who turned in another excellent game.
Kilburn 14 (Peter Donaldson, Mohammed Taguri tries, Chris Garvey 2 conversions) Old Actonians 17 (2 tries, 2 conversions, 1 penalty)
Team: P Morgan, D Magee(C), H McKenzie, A Butcher, J Fenlon, C Protherough, A Bursey, S Whyte, L MacManus, A Allan, G Smith, R Cunninghame, P Donaldson, J Thorpe, C Garvey. Reserves- R Nunes, M Taguri, M King
Friday, October 10, 2008
Meet the Players - Chairman Phil Morgan
Hello Mr Chairman
First of all – What is happening about our move to Gladstone Park? What’s the story? Any progress?
Its rather frustrating not having proper training facilities and a decent pitch I know - among my first jobs on the committee was arranging and attending a meeting with Brent Council, Middlesex County RFU and Kilburn Cosmos to discuss facilities. This was 6 seasons ago and at that point the plans for a sports development at Gladstone Park were fairly historic and needed updating. I hope it is fair to say it was combined pressure from the Club and from the many schools in vicinity of the park that lack sports fields of their own that got the plans updated. It may seem to us, playing on Tiverton Green and having nowhere to train, as though the development has moved at glacial speeds and at times it has been frustrating. But hats off to Brent Council – there are people there, and in the local community – who have moved heaven and earth to make it happen. Mapesbury Councillors Hayley Matthews and Chris Leaman particularly have been very supportive, along with our Patron John Hoskins and I’m glad to say that through our membership of the Gladstone Park Consultative Committee, the Club is already accepted as a member of the park community.
You can see the progress with the new pitches. The whole development is taking shape and the grounds will be ready for formal sport by June 2009. We want to be the first to hold a big sporting event there – hopefully a Sevens Competition – but the Junior Cosmos have already made a home there and were the first to use the new pavilion! Our efforts to develop Youth Rugby will, I hope, provide the final push to establishing Rugby Union in Gladstone Park.
You can see the progress with the new pitches. The whole development is taking shape and the grounds will be ready for formal sport by June 2009. We want to be the first to hold a big sporting event there – hopefully a Sevens Competition – but the Junior Cosmos have already made a home there and were the first to use the new pavilion! Our efforts to develop Youth Rugby will, I hope, provide the final push to establishing Rugby Union in Gladstone Park.
Now that’s sorted bit of background – how did you end up at the Cosmos? How long have you been at the club? How long have you been chairman for and why did you decide to take up the role?
I joined in the 2001/02 season, like so many others of my Cosmos intake, after meeting Jim Greetham in a pub in Willesden Green. Jim was a real Rugby evangelist – he embarrassed me into coming along and having a go after I admitted I hadn’t played for 9 years but still reckoned I knew how to play. I turned out for the 2xv the following Saturday, went on at half time and immediately gave away a penalty for entering a ruck from the side. Not a habit I have lost, as many will attest. Afterwards I met Mike Maillou who gave me a bit of the club background. I’ve been coming back ever since.
At that time the 1xv was very established but the 2xv was struggling to get games. Jim picked it up and made it the social heart of the club, getting sponsorship and discount beers from pubs on Kilburn High Road. The 2xv soon had plenty of players and we entered the Middlesex Merit Table. The 1XV in those days was in Herts-Midd Division 2 having won promotion a couple of seasons earlier. Julian Laugenie was Chairman and although the organization was as haphazard then as it sometimes can be today, Jim, Julian, Mike and guys like Owen Sanders kept it going brilliantly. Much of what we’re doing now is built on their efforts and of the vision of the club founder John Tymon.
I did a stint as Club Captain when Jim Greetham took the Chair. When he decided it was time to move to New Zealand, in my desperation to avoid becoming Club Secretary, I ended up as Chairman.
What do you think you’ve achieved during your time as chairman and what are your aims for the club?
My first season in the Chair was a rough introduction. I knew very little about running a club and the 1xv suffered from a lot of retirements. We stayed in Division 2 on points difference in 2004/05. At that time I felt the club had to grow or it would never prosper so I set a few straight forward objectives – get better facilities, offer better training, play rugby to a higher standard and achieve this by broadening our base – basically, by offering more rugby to more people and establishing the club in the local community.
I wanted to involve more people in the club. Setting up a Cosmos Women’s team was an early target and I’m very pleased to say it’s now in its fifth season. Junior Rugby took a little while longer to get going, but we’re now in our third season and have 50 kids playing regularly across 6 age groups. That is one of the most rewarding things I’ve done in my life, let alone in rugby.
Getting to Division 1 was also a target and one we nearly didn’t achieve due to problems with our administration. When the league punished us for playing unregistered players and we missed promotion, it felt harsh, unjust even given the effort I could see everyone was putting in, but it made us sort out the club admin and now I’m pleased to say we are vastly improved on that front. We went on to have a great season in 2006/07 when we won division 2. So much of that we owe to the efforts of guys like Rohan McNaughton and Mike Maillou who do a huge amount behind the scenes, and to others who have lead in training and on the pitch – Hayden Burns, Ian Stewart and of course Shayne Whyte! I’m very proud of what we all achieved in those years and since. Division One is tougher level, but we are now in our second season and we are more than worthy of it.
Overall, my aim for my Chairmanship is simple – to leave the club in a better, stronger position than when I took it on. I will evaluate my leadership on that basis at the end of this season.
And how do you see the club placed looking ahead? – a solid future?
We have a very bright future – we’ve got a great junior section which will grow and grow, the adult men’s have a dedicated and ambitious coach and the Women’s team is going from strength to strength. Off the pitch, more people know about us and are willing to help us achieve our ambitions than ever before. When we move to Gladstone Park (finally!) we will be within 5 minutes walk of a Zone 2 tube station making us one of London’s most accessible clubs – that, and the other opportunities the new home will bring (sevens, mini and youth rugby, real visibility in the local community) mean that we must not be complacent and let these chances pass us by.
We want to bring Regional Rugby to Kilburn and bring Rugby Union to more and more people. We need to adapt and grow to meet the challenges that more people and more rugby will bring.
What do you believe are the strengths of the club? And the weaknesses?
We have always been an international club and I don’t just mean the fantastic tours Jon Church organizes. I have played matches with people in a Cosmos jersey who hail from the farthest corners of the rugby world, Americans, New Zealanders, Australians, French, South Africans, Namibians, Italians, Spanish, Germans, Irish, Welsh, Scots… I know that there have been times when I’ve been the only Englishman playing for Kilburn in some games! I love that about the club – everyone finds a home from home here and has a great time. Mind you, we’ve enough accountants from Southland, New Zealand. No more please. That’s enough…
Our style of rugby also draws people in. We may not be the most structured or the most drilled, but we play with flair and enterprise and can be very good to watch! When we get going, we have a great party. That’s always been a Kilburn strength.
If we have any weaknesses, it’s keeping the admin side up and getting people involved in running the club. It’s too easy to ask the same people to do more and more jobs. Anyone from the club who reads this needs to know just how much of our spare time goes into running the Cosmos and how much more they can do even by just paying their subs on time and getting their registration forms in.
What’s going to happen when you step down as chairman? Its going to leave some big shoes to fill and a lot of pressure on the new person to keep the club improving
I’m not planning to carry on in this role past the end of this season. 5 seasons is long enough, it’s time for someone else to have a go and a new home in Gladstone Park will mean it’s also time for fresh ideas. I hope to stay on in some form or other, especially as coach or referee, and if they’ll have me back, in a committee post as well. I am sure that the progress we’ve made in recent years means the club is now ready for someone to take it on and really make it buzz!
Playing wise you seem to have evolved into a rather decent prop and important part of the 1st XV from a bit part prop/lock from when I first arrived – what do you put the improvement down to?
Pies, and a strict regime of after-match beers and sambuca with Bernard Knapp and Rick Nunes. Seriously though, Bernard, Rick, Whytie, Kingy… even as far back as Charlie and Owen Sanders and The Father… so many Cosmos players have all been patient with me and shown me what to do when I’ve needed guidance. If I’m playing well now, its thanks to them.
Bernard Knapp, the greatest prop ever to pull on a Cosmos Jersey, once said to me after a hard day on the park “You had a good game today. For you.” And that’s enough for me.
What are the strengths to your game? And what do you need to work on?
My scrummage. I need to work on that still though… I think I need to work on it all, especially my fitness. I can sink a decent pint in the boatrace.
How do you feel about the fact you haven’t scored a try for the Cosmos(must be about 8 seasons) and that anyone who passes the ball to you gets abused?
Props can score tries? I never knew. Is this something to do with the ELVs?
Props can score tries? I never knew. Is this something to do with the ELVs?
Standard questions to finish off –who is your rugby idol? Funniest Cosmo? Most annoying Cosmo? Favorite cosmo to play alongside?
Jason Leonard is, without a doubt, the greatest living sportsman of our age. CB Fry – for anyone who knows their sporting history, is another favourite. Look him up. He played rugby for Oxford University, Blackheath RFC and the Barbarians. He played Association Football for Southampton and England, playing in the 1902 FA cup final. He Captained Sussex County and England Cricket teams, averaged over 50 runs and made 94 first class centuries. He won the 100 yard dash at the first ever international athletics match (Oxford v Yale) in 1894. He was invited to become King of Albania (which he declined) and reportedly could jump backwards on to a mantelpiece from a stationary position.
Funniest Cosmos – Porno Haynes. Most Annoying Cosmos – Sneakers MacMillan. Favourite Cosmos to play alongside - Mello Tripodi or Bernard Knapp.
Jason Leonard is, without a doubt, the greatest living sportsman of our age. CB Fry – for anyone who knows their sporting history, is another favourite. Look him up. He played rugby for Oxford University, Blackheath RFC and the Barbarians. He played Association Football for Southampton and England, playing in the 1902 FA cup final. He Captained Sussex County and England Cricket teams, averaged over 50 runs and made 94 first class centuries. He won the 100 yard dash at the first ever international athletics match (Oxford v Yale) in 1894. He was invited to become King of Albania (which he declined) and reportedly could jump backwards on to a mantelpiece from a stationary position.
Funniest Cosmos – Porno Haynes. Most Annoying Cosmos – Sneakers MacMillan. Favourite Cosmos to play alongside - Mello Tripodi or Bernard Knapp.
And finally can you name your All Star Cosmos XV from your time with the Club?
Charlie Sanders – L/H
Declan McGee - H
Bernard Knapp – T/H
John Fenlon - L
Simon Huxtable - L
Scott Aitken – O/S
Mike King – B/S
Rata Smith – B/R
Ruben Boss – S/H
Jesus Perkins – F/H
Tony Perez – L/W
Ryan Cuthbertson – I/C
Mello Tripodi – O/C
James Thorpe – W
Damien Naughton – F/B
Subs – Cunninghame, Davis, Taitoko, Whitehead, Horsfall – Backs
Nunes, Frethey, Sanders O, Laugenie, Whyte – Forwards
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Kilburn Cosmos Ladies vs Tabard Ladies - 5th October 2008
Tabard Ladies 5 - Kilburn Cosmos Ladies 10
After a disappointing loss in their first game of the season, Kilburn Cosmos Ladies were back on form last Sunday with a 10-5 win over league leaders Tabard. In very wet and windy conditions, Kilburn looked a well-drilled team, with the forwards gaining ground in the scrums early on and winning ball in the rucks. Lee Sinclair at half-back was outstanding, getting to every breakdown and spinning the ball out quickly to Ariana Ropiha at fly half.
It was from one of these rucks that Kilburn scored their first try after ten minutes, Ropiha passing to Lucy Zaug at flanker who used her pace to sprint from the halfway line. Prop Jen Spano narrowly missed kicking the conversion. After this, Tabard began to fight back and Kilburn found themselves defending their own try-line.
Excellent defensive work by the Cosmos forwards, in particular player of the day Trudy Mylrea, meant that Tabard could not break through and their attempt at a try was held up on the line by prop Nikki Burgess. Kilburn turned the game around after this, and were soon back on the attack, with another well-worked ruck enabling Sinclair to get the ball out to Kate Reynolds, playing centre in her first game for the Cosmos. She saw off several attempted tackles and ran in Kilburn's second try of the match, which Spano was again unlucky not to convert.
Tabard doggedly fought back once again, getting the ball out to the wing who found space and powered home for their only try of the game, which was not converted. The second half saw an improvement in the weather, but by now both teams were tiring and despite further pressure from Kilburn, who were unlucky not to score again, the score remained 10-5.
Kilburn 10 (L Zaug, K Reynolds tries)
Team: J Spano, L Franklin, N Burgess, N Barton, T Mylrea, K Smales, L Zaug, J Charlton, L Sinclair, A Ropiha, M Paakkola, K Aikenhead, K Reynold, A Gallagher, S Marlow(C). Reserve: H McKenzie
After a disappointing loss in their first game of the season, Kilburn Cosmos Ladies were back on form last Sunday with a 10-5 win over league leaders Tabard. In very wet and windy conditions, Kilburn looked a well-drilled team, with the forwards gaining ground in the scrums early on and winning ball in the rucks. Lee Sinclair at half-back was outstanding, getting to every breakdown and spinning the ball out quickly to Ariana Ropiha at fly half.
It was from one of these rucks that Kilburn scored their first try after ten minutes, Ropiha passing to Lucy Zaug at flanker who used her pace to sprint from the halfway line. Prop Jen Spano narrowly missed kicking the conversion. After this, Tabard began to fight back and Kilburn found themselves defending their own try-line.
Excellent defensive work by the Cosmos forwards, in particular player of the day Trudy Mylrea, meant that Tabard could not break through and their attempt at a try was held up on the line by prop Nikki Burgess. Kilburn turned the game around after this, and were soon back on the attack, with another well-worked ruck enabling Sinclair to get the ball out to Kate Reynolds, playing centre in her first game for the Cosmos. She saw off several attempted tackles and ran in Kilburn's second try of the match, which Spano was again unlucky not to convert.
Tabard doggedly fought back once again, getting the ball out to the wing who found space and powered home for their only try of the game, which was not converted. The second half saw an improvement in the weather, but by now both teams were tiring and despite further pressure from Kilburn, who were unlucky not to score again, the score remained 10-5.
Kilburn 10 (L Zaug, K Reynolds tries)
Team: J Spano, L Franklin, N Burgess, N Barton, T Mylrea, K Smales, L Zaug, J Charlton, L Sinclair, A Ropiha, M Paakkola, K Aikenhead, K Reynold, A Gallagher, S Marlow(C). Reserve: H McKenzie
Kilburn Cosmos 2nd XV vs Hammersmith & Fulham 4th XV - 4th October 2008
Kilburn Cosmos 2XV 12 - Hammersmith and Fulham 4XV 14
Kilburn were unlucky to lose a very even game against Hammersmith and Fulham in the Middlesex Merit Table. The sides slugged it out with two tries apiece and Kilburn missed out by a conversion kick.
The game started well and was played with great spirit throughout, with more of an atmosphere of a pre-season friendly than a league game. Simon Huxtable, skipper, ably led from the second row and the tempo was lively throughout.
Kilburn had a clear advantage in the scrum but lacked aerial superiority in the lineout. Outwide, they were disadvantaged by a slightly weaker back line which tried its best but failed to exploit advantages won by solid forward play at the break down. Man of the Match Jared Horsfall organised from fly half and later full back but struggled to match the strategy to his own superb tactical breaks. His frustration boiled over into a brilliant try from 5 metres when H&F conceded a penalty on their own line. Horsfall seized the ball and smashed over.
The second Kilburn try came from a similarly devastating move off a penalty in the Hammersmith 22 10 minutes into the second half when the forwards took a tap penalty and drove the ball through the H&F pack to cross the line with Huxtable holding on as the ball was grounded. Unluckily it went unconverted.
Hammersmith's tries by contrast came from well run backs moves which Kilburn struggled to counter. Although the Cosmos managed to keep the ball in the forwards where they dominated play, H&F managed to smuggle it out wide and Cosmos defence scrambled to keep up. Great efforts were made but unfortunately H&F broke the line twice and kicked the conversions giving them a 2 point margin.
In the last minutes, Kilburn failed to secure enough ball to take the lead back, and H&F missed a penalty which would have put the game beyond reach. In the final analysis, Kilburn were evenly matched with the opposition and unlucky not to have won.
Kilburn 12 (J Horsfall, S Huxtable tries, A Hirani conversion)
Team: P Brides, E Horn-Smith, S Hughes, A Butcher, S Huxtable, J Gill, S Murphy, K Shrubsole, W Groat, J Horsfall, A Koporo, A Hirani, G Smith, A Gbinigie, JP Le Rouzic, B Larby, G Bothomley, T Ross, N Coghlan, L MacManus
Kilburn were unlucky to lose a very even game against Hammersmith and Fulham in the Middlesex Merit Table. The sides slugged it out with two tries apiece and Kilburn missed out by a conversion kick.
The game started well and was played with great spirit throughout, with more of an atmosphere of a pre-season friendly than a league game. Simon Huxtable, skipper, ably led from the second row and the tempo was lively throughout.
Kilburn had a clear advantage in the scrum but lacked aerial superiority in the lineout. Outwide, they were disadvantaged by a slightly weaker back line which tried its best but failed to exploit advantages won by solid forward play at the break down. Man of the Match Jared Horsfall organised from fly half and later full back but struggled to match the strategy to his own superb tactical breaks. His frustration boiled over into a brilliant try from 5 metres when H&F conceded a penalty on their own line. Horsfall seized the ball and smashed over.
The second Kilburn try came from a similarly devastating move off a penalty in the Hammersmith 22 10 minutes into the second half when the forwards took a tap penalty and drove the ball through the H&F pack to cross the line with Huxtable holding on as the ball was grounded. Unluckily it went unconverted.
Hammersmith's tries by contrast came from well run backs moves which Kilburn struggled to counter. Although the Cosmos managed to keep the ball in the forwards where they dominated play, H&F managed to smuggle it out wide and Cosmos defence scrambled to keep up. Great efforts were made but unfortunately H&F broke the line twice and kicked the conversions giving them a 2 point margin.
In the last minutes, Kilburn failed to secure enough ball to take the lead back, and H&F missed a penalty which would have put the game beyond reach. In the final analysis, Kilburn were evenly matched with the opposition and unlucky not to have won.
Kilburn 12 (J Horsfall, S Huxtable tries, A Hirani conversion)
Team: P Brides, E Horn-Smith, S Hughes, A Butcher, S Huxtable, J Gill, S Murphy, K Shrubsole, W Groat, J Horsfall, A Koporo, A Hirani, G Smith, A Gbinigie, JP Le Rouzic, B Larby, G Bothomley, T Ross, N Coghlan, L MacManus
Kilburn Cosmos 1st XV vs Saracens Amateurs - 4th Oct
Kilburn Cosmos 24 - Saracens 36
The Kilburn Cosmos 1st XV blew a great opportunity to knock over Herts Middlesex 1 league leaders Saracens Amateurs on Saturday at Tiverton Green. After establishing an 18-0 lead during the first half a lack of fitness and composure on attack lead to the Cosmos being overrun by Saracens in the second half who ended up taking a comfortable 36-24 victory. This leaves Saracens firmly established at the top of the table and confines Kilburn to the bottom three with no wins from three games.
The first half was relatively even with both sides having long periods of possession in the oppositions 22. Both teams were strong and committed on defence but it was Kilburn who was able to make the most of their opportunities. Hooker Declan Magee proved unstoppable close to the line to score Kilburns 1st try after excellent pick and gos by the forward pack took them close to Saracens line. Chris Garvey missed the conversion but soon knocked over a penalty to give Kilburn a handy start. When openside Scott Aitken capitalised on some sloppy lineout work and Saracens not playing to the refs whistle to steal a loose ball and scoot over under the posts for the Cosmos second try, converted by Garvey, it looked like Kilburn could be on the verge of a major upset. Another penalty to Garvey took the score out to 18-0 late in the first half. However some late pressure from Saracens saw them camp close to the Cosmos line and eventually score through the forwards to close the gap to 18-7.
A huge blow to Kilburns chances occurred late in the first half when impressive blindside Mo Taguri took a head knock and had to go off. Already suffering from the absence of regular no 6 Aly Bursey through injury this left Kilburn down on aggressive defenders around the rucks. Skipper Aitken knocked Saracens back all day but lacked allies and this proved a major factor in the second half with Saracens making inroads close to the rucks through Kilburns tiring defence.
Kilburn were full of confidence going into the second half but a sloppy start saw Saracens score almost immediately and the Cosmos heads drop. 2 Kilburn penalties to Garvey and another try to Saracens, from a turnover on the Saracens 22 after a promising Cosmos attack broke down, saw the game tied up at 24 all but with Saracens definitely in the ascendency. Kilburns fitness or lack of was showing with tackles being missed, passes misdirected and balls dropped.
Saracens took full advantage racking up another 2 tries to take the score to 36-24. The final 10 minutes saw Kilburn frantically attacking and they looked like scoring on a number of occasions but excellent scrambling defence by Saracens and a bad pass or wrong option by the Cosmos saw the chances go begging with the final whistle going with the score remaining 36-24.
Kilburn had plenty of opportunities on attack in the second half to take the game but lack of protection for halfback Chris Protherough saw terrible ball coming to fly-half Andy Allan who could do nothing with it but try to secure possession. This was a wasted opportunity as centre Peter Donaldson and wing Hayden Wilson had looked dangerous every time they touched the ball and not getting decent ball to them was a major part in Kilburns downfall.
Lineouts were a problem for Kilburn with Saracens dominating. Any ball won from the lineout was always untidy and offered no attacking platform. The scrum was also a problem with Saracens employing wheeling tactics to disrupt Kilburns possession which was not dealt with by either the referee or the Kilburn forwards.
Saracens backs offered little attacking threat from the set pieces but were brilliant from the counter attack and broken play with their speed, fitness and support play with the Saracens loosies also popping up causing Kilburn no end of trouble.
Once again Ehi Alonge put in an excellent 80 minutes in the front row and locks Ledington and Fenlon were great round the park though Fenlon was not as prominent in the second half after a storming first 40 minutes. In the backs centre Peter Donaldson again stood out on attack and provided a solid midfield with Richey Cunninghame while 1st XV debutante Hayden Wilson looked dangerous but suffered from the lack of decent ball being given to the backs.
Skipper Scott Aitken and Declan Magee were judged joint MVPs with both players having brilliant games and Andy Allan picked up 1 point after a very solid game under a lot of pressure.
Kilburn 24 (D Magee, S Aitken tries, C Garvey 4 penalties, 1 conversion)
Team: H McKenzie, D Magee, E Alonge, P Ledington, J Fenlon, M Taguri, S Aitken(C), T O'Connor, C Protherough, A Allan, H Wilson, R Cunninghame, P Donaldson, C Coane, C Garvey. Reserves: B Zaug, J Trout, R McNaughtan
The Kilburn Cosmos 1st XV blew a great opportunity to knock over Herts Middlesex 1 league leaders Saracens Amateurs on Saturday at Tiverton Green. After establishing an 18-0 lead during the first half a lack of fitness and composure on attack lead to the Cosmos being overrun by Saracens in the second half who ended up taking a comfortable 36-24 victory. This leaves Saracens firmly established at the top of the table and confines Kilburn to the bottom three with no wins from three games.
The first half was relatively even with both sides having long periods of possession in the oppositions 22. Both teams were strong and committed on defence but it was Kilburn who was able to make the most of their opportunities. Hooker Declan Magee proved unstoppable close to the line to score Kilburns 1st try after excellent pick and gos by the forward pack took them close to Saracens line. Chris Garvey missed the conversion but soon knocked over a penalty to give Kilburn a handy start. When openside Scott Aitken capitalised on some sloppy lineout work and Saracens not playing to the refs whistle to steal a loose ball and scoot over under the posts for the Cosmos second try, converted by Garvey, it looked like Kilburn could be on the verge of a major upset. Another penalty to Garvey took the score out to 18-0 late in the first half. However some late pressure from Saracens saw them camp close to the Cosmos line and eventually score through the forwards to close the gap to 18-7.
A huge blow to Kilburns chances occurred late in the first half when impressive blindside Mo Taguri took a head knock and had to go off. Already suffering from the absence of regular no 6 Aly Bursey through injury this left Kilburn down on aggressive defenders around the rucks. Skipper Aitken knocked Saracens back all day but lacked allies and this proved a major factor in the second half with Saracens making inroads close to the rucks through Kilburns tiring defence.
Kilburn were full of confidence going into the second half but a sloppy start saw Saracens score almost immediately and the Cosmos heads drop. 2 Kilburn penalties to Garvey and another try to Saracens, from a turnover on the Saracens 22 after a promising Cosmos attack broke down, saw the game tied up at 24 all but with Saracens definitely in the ascendency. Kilburns fitness or lack of was showing with tackles being missed, passes misdirected and balls dropped.
Saracens took full advantage racking up another 2 tries to take the score to 36-24. The final 10 minutes saw Kilburn frantically attacking and they looked like scoring on a number of occasions but excellent scrambling defence by Saracens and a bad pass or wrong option by the Cosmos saw the chances go begging with the final whistle going with the score remaining 36-24.
Kilburn had plenty of opportunities on attack in the second half to take the game but lack of protection for halfback Chris Protherough saw terrible ball coming to fly-half Andy Allan who could do nothing with it but try to secure possession. This was a wasted opportunity as centre Peter Donaldson and wing Hayden Wilson had looked dangerous every time they touched the ball and not getting decent ball to them was a major part in Kilburns downfall.
Lineouts were a problem for Kilburn with Saracens dominating. Any ball won from the lineout was always untidy and offered no attacking platform. The scrum was also a problem with Saracens employing wheeling tactics to disrupt Kilburns possession which was not dealt with by either the referee or the Kilburn forwards.
Saracens backs offered little attacking threat from the set pieces but were brilliant from the counter attack and broken play with their speed, fitness and support play with the Saracens loosies also popping up causing Kilburn no end of trouble.
Once again Ehi Alonge put in an excellent 80 minutes in the front row and locks Ledington and Fenlon were great round the park though Fenlon was not as prominent in the second half after a storming first 40 minutes. In the backs centre Peter Donaldson again stood out on attack and provided a solid midfield with Richey Cunninghame while 1st XV debutante Hayden Wilson looked dangerous but suffered from the lack of decent ball being given to the backs.
Skipper Scott Aitken and Declan Magee were judged joint MVPs with both players having brilliant games and Andy Allan picked up 1 point after a very solid game under a lot of pressure.
Kilburn 24 (D Magee, S Aitken tries, C Garvey 4 penalties, 1 conversion)
Team: H McKenzie, D Magee, E Alonge, P Ledington, J Fenlon, M Taguri, S Aitken(C), T O'Connor, C Protherough, A Allan, H Wilson, R Cunninghame, P Donaldson, C Coane, C Garvey. Reserves: B Zaug, J Trout, R McNaughtan
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Kilburn Cosmos 1st XV vs Verulamians - 20th Sep 2008
Kilburn Cosmos 19 - Verulamians 25
The Kilburn Cosmos went down in another close game on Saturday, losing 25-19 to Verulamians at London Colney.
Kilburn paid the price for a lacklustre first half and some indecision shown by a new look backline as they went behind 13-0 near the end of the first half.
A lack of available backs meant usual second row John Fenlon started at inside centre and Richey Cunninghame was rolled out to the wing. The inexperience in the backline was exposed early as a couple of good Verulamian midfield moves broke through and set up excellent field position. Verulamians capitalised on this and had notched up 2 tries and a penalty by the thirty second minute mark.
Kilburn had their chances in the first 30 minutes, camping on the Vs line for a long period but a few poor options meant the pressure went unrewarded. As the half wore on the Cosmos heads started to drop as the heat took its toll and the Cosmos support play, normally a strength of their game, was poor. Ball runners were left unsupported as the forwards struggled with the heat and Vs managed a number of turnovers when the Cosmos had got themselves in promising positions.
Cosmos suffered a blow when No8 Tom O’Connor was forced off with a head knock after 30 minutes but replacement Chris Protherough put his fresh legs to use and re-energised the forward pack. Cunninghame was switched with Fenlon to give a bit more experience to the midfield defence, and this coupled with the loss of the Vs fly half after he had taken a couple of big hits meant the Vs backline proved less of a threat.
The Cosmos finally got on the board in the 35th minute after a couple of excellent runs took Kilburn into the Vs 22. Bursey and Cunninghame then showed their experience to put Fenlon away in the corner and give the Cosmos some hope. The try was unconverted and left the score at 13-5 at which it remained at the halftime whistle.
The Cosmos were still confident they could come back and take the game at halftime and started the second half strongly.
However mistakes gave the Vs field position and Kilburn were forced to defend their line for the first 10 minutes of the half. The Cosmos defended brilliantly, denying the Vs and forcing them back until another mistake gave the Vs a 5 metre scrum.
In what some saw as a harsh decision Verulamians were awarded a penalty try from this scrum which further dented the Cosmos hopes of a comeback. A superb Verulamians scrum drove the Cosmos back from the five metre mark and when eventually the scrum collapsed the ref had no hesitation in running between the posts and signalling a try. The decision was viewed as harsh by many as it was not obvious there was an intentional offence by Kilburn nor had they been repeatedly pulling down the scrum and they definitely hadn’t been given a warning. However there was little doubt that the try would have been scored and little the Cosmos had to grumble about.
Knowing that time was running out the Cosmos finally started to show a bit of urgency and purpose in their attack. They were rewarded for their efforts when Captain Scott Aitken crashed over next to the posts after some excellent lead up work by the forwards.
This good work was undone when a misfield of a kick by Cunninghame gave the Vs field position near the Cosmos 22. The Vs capitalised with some weak defence by the Cosmos loosies allowing the Vs hard running 12 to make a break and set up the try which took the score to 25-12.
The Cosmos weren’t finished though and threw everything at the Vs. After Bursey was denied millimetres short of the line replacement wing Shayne Whyte picked up the loose ball and dove over to close the gap to 25-19, after the conversion by Garvey, with five minutes remaining.
Looking for an unlikely last gasp victory, as they managed in the same fixture last season, a last ditch effort by the Cosmos saw them drive down into the Vs 22. In the last play of the game Shayne Whyte was held up in the corner in going for the try that would have left Garvey with a sideline conversion to win the game.
But in the final analysis the Cosmos were not good enough to take the win. They showed in spurts they could cause some real problems and play good rugby but the key is to produce this rugby for 80 minutes. The set pieces were a problem for the Cosmos with the scrum under real pressure and getting a settled backline on the pitch is another key area if they are to challenge for the league title this year.
Paul Ledington was again excellent in the lineouts and around the field, halfback Liam Macmanus had a good return to rugby after a 10 year break and Chris Garvey had a typically solid and industrious game at fullback.
However Man of the match was judged to be Aly Bursey who put in a tireless performance at No 6, with Captain Scott Aitken picking up 2 points and under utilised centre Peter Donaldson, who made breaks every time he touched the ball 1 point. Donaldson was judged by Verulamians to have been the opposition player of the day.
Kilburn 19 (J Fenlon, S Aitken, S Whyte tries, C Garvey 2 conversions)
Team: R Nunes, D Magee, E Alonge, P Ledington, J Trout, A Bursey, S Aitken(C), T O'Connor, L Macmanus, A Allan, R Cunninghame, J Fenlon, P Donaldson, A Gbinigie, C Garvey. Reserves: P Morgan, C Protherough, S Whyte
Read Verulamians match report(Whytie is a huge winger!!)
The Kilburn Cosmos went down in another close game on Saturday, losing 25-19 to Verulamians at London Colney.
Kilburn paid the price for a lacklustre first half and some indecision shown by a new look backline as they went behind 13-0 near the end of the first half.
A lack of available backs meant usual second row John Fenlon started at inside centre and Richey Cunninghame was rolled out to the wing. The inexperience in the backline was exposed early as a couple of good Verulamian midfield moves broke through and set up excellent field position. Verulamians capitalised on this and had notched up 2 tries and a penalty by the thirty second minute mark.
Kilburn had their chances in the first 30 minutes, camping on the Vs line for a long period but a few poor options meant the pressure went unrewarded. As the half wore on the Cosmos heads started to drop as the heat took its toll and the Cosmos support play, normally a strength of their game, was poor. Ball runners were left unsupported as the forwards struggled with the heat and Vs managed a number of turnovers when the Cosmos had got themselves in promising positions.
Cosmos suffered a blow when No8 Tom O’Connor was forced off with a head knock after 30 minutes but replacement Chris Protherough put his fresh legs to use and re-energised the forward pack. Cunninghame was switched with Fenlon to give a bit more experience to the midfield defence, and this coupled with the loss of the Vs fly half after he had taken a couple of big hits meant the Vs backline proved less of a threat.
The Cosmos finally got on the board in the 35th minute after a couple of excellent runs took Kilburn into the Vs 22. Bursey and Cunninghame then showed their experience to put Fenlon away in the corner and give the Cosmos some hope. The try was unconverted and left the score at 13-5 at which it remained at the halftime whistle.
The Cosmos were still confident they could come back and take the game at halftime and started the second half strongly.
However mistakes gave the Vs field position and Kilburn were forced to defend their line for the first 10 minutes of the half. The Cosmos defended brilliantly, denying the Vs and forcing them back until another mistake gave the Vs a 5 metre scrum.
In what some saw as a harsh decision Verulamians were awarded a penalty try from this scrum which further dented the Cosmos hopes of a comeback. A superb Verulamians scrum drove the Cosmos back from the five metre mark and when eventually the scrum collapsed the ref had no hesitation in running between the posts and signalling a try. The decision was viewed as harsh by many as it was not obvious there was an intentional offence by Kilburn nor had they been repeatedly pulling down the scrum and they definitely hadn’t been given a warning. However there was little doubt that the try would have been scored and little the Cosmos had to grumble about.
Knowing that time was running out the Cosmos finally started to show a bit of urgency and purpose in their attack. They were rewarded for their efforts when Captain Scott Aitken crashed over next to the posts after some excellent lead up work by the forwards.
This good work was undone when a misfield of a kick by Cunninghame gave the Vs field position near the Cosmos 22. The Vs capitalised with some weak defence by the Cosmos loosies allowing the Vs hard running 12 to make a break and set up the try which took the score to 25-12.
The Cosmos weren’t finished though and threw everything at the Vs. After Bursey was denied millimetres short of the line replacement wing Shayne Whyte picked up the loose ball and dove over to close the gap to 25-19, after the conversion by Garvey, with five minutes remaining.
Looking for an unlikely last gasp victory, as they managed in the same fixture last season, a last ditch effort by the Cosmos saw them drive down into the Vs 22. In the last play of the game Shayne Whyte was held up in the corner in going for the try that would have left Garvey with a sideline conversion to win the game.
But in the final analysis the Cosmos were not good enough to take the win. They showed in spurts they could cause some real problems and play good rugby but the key is to produce this rugby for 80 minutes. The set pieces were a problem for the Cosmos with the scrum under real pressure and getting a settled backline on the pitch is another key area if they are to challenge for the league title this year.
Paul Ledington was again excellent in the lineouts and around the field, halfback Liam Macmanus had a good return to rugby after a 10 year break and Chris Garvey had a typically solid and industrious game at fullback.
However Man of the match was judged to be Aly Bursey who put in a tireless performance at No 6, with Captain Scott Aitken picking up 2 points and under utilised centre Peter Donaldson, who made breaks every time he touched the ball 1 point. Donaldson was judged by Verulamians to have been the opposition player of the day.
Kilburn 19 (J Fenlon, S Aitken, S Whyte tries, C Garvey 2 conversions)
Team: R Nunes, D Magee, E Alonge, P Ledington, J Trout, A Bursey, S Aitken(C), T O'Connor, L Macmanus, A Allan, R Cunninghame, J Fenlon, P Donaldson, A Gbinigie, C Garvey. Reserves: P Morgan, C Protherough, S Whyte
Read Verulamians match report(Whytie is a huge winger!!)
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Kilburn Cosmos 1st XV vs West London - 13th Sep 2008
Kilburn Cosmos 1st XV 17 - West London 22
A lack of composure ultimately told against Kilburn in their opening Herts/Middlesex 1 fixture as they went down 17-22 against West London.
After 2 preseason wins on the back of strong defence, Kilburn hoped to start the season proper with a competition victory and started the first half strongly with a well worked forwards try. Lock Paul Ledington, who commanded the centre of the lineout all day, took clean ball in which the forward pack set up a drive, which West London failed to halt before the line with lock John Cameron securing the 5 points. Andrew Allan added the conversion.
Further strong forward play, lead by the big men up front - props Bernard Knapp, Ricardo Nunes and hooker Declan Magee had the Cosmos again putting pressure on West London. Finally the pressure told and centre Peter Donaldson crashed over in mid ield which Allan duly converted again. It looked like Kilburn were about to kick on and post a big win in their opening match.
The West london scrum half inspired the visitors with some fine runs from the base of the scrum and their ever present openside flanker really started to get under the skin of the Comos forward pack. Lacking a decisive answer to play that existed right on the edge of the laws, Cosmos started to flounder and penalties began to go against them.
Despite controlling the scrum and the lineout, Cosmos couldn't sucessfully answer West London in the ruck, where they scrabbled and scraped and niggled until the ball came their way. As their confidence grew, the visitors began to make probing runs down the wing and through the centres and tested the Cosmos defence to the limit. By half time the balance of the game was turning against the Cosmos.
The second half opened with some exciting rugby. Wide running was well supported and both sides turned over the ball in defence, switching quickly to attack. Frustration eventually boiled over with the West London defence at the breakdown and Cosmos prop Bernard Knapp snapped the Referee's patience and earned a yellow card for entering the ruck from an offside position. A harsh penalty for the team who transgressed the least in the game.
West London were quick to capitalise on the one-man overlap but it took a huge effort for them to break the line first time. Although they failed to convert it, they built on their confidence with another two tries, putting the Cosmos behind by one point and in a precarious position.
Forcing their way up the pitch, the Cosmos put Andy Allan within range for an easy penalty kick when West London were caught with hands in the ruck. The 3 points put them back on top, but in the last ten minutes of the game West London forced a try from a succession of pick and drive runs within the Cosmos 5 metre line. Their one successful kick of the game earning them a 5 point lead.
Although the game ended with Cosmos on a spirited attack, driving the ball forward from short range at the West London line, it wasn't enough and the game ended with West London thanking their lucky stars for the full time whistle.
Man of the match was lock Paul Ledington with Declan Magee taking 2 points and new halfback Jesse Foden getting 1 point in an excellent first game for the Cosmos.
Kilburn 17 (J Cameron, P Donaldson tries, A Allan 2 conversions, 1 penalty)
Team: R Nunes, D Magee, B Knapp, P Ledington, J Cameron, C Protherough, A Bursey, S Aitken (C), J Foden, A Allan, A Koporo, S Whyte, P Donaldson, A Gbingie, W Wyrill. Reserves: P Morgan, M Taguri, L Porter
A lack of composure ultimately told against Kilburn in their opening Herts/Middlesex 1 fixture as they went down 17-22 against West London.
After 2 preseason wins on the back of strong defence, Kilburn hoped to start the season proper with a competition victory and started the first half strongly with a well worked forwards try. Lock Paul Ledington, who commanded the centre of the lineout all day, took clean ball in which the forward pack set up a drive, which West London failed to halt before the line with lock John Cameron securing the 5 points. Andrew Allan added the conversion.
Further strong forward play, lead by the big men up front - props Bernard Knapp, Ricardo Nunes and hooker Declan Magee had the Cosmos again putting pressure on West London. Finally the pressure told and centre Peter Donaldson crashed over in mid ield which Allan duly converted again. It looked like Kilburn were about to kick on and post a big win in their opening match.
The West london scrum half inspired the visitors with some fine runs from the base of the scrum and their ever present openside flanker really started to get under the skin of the Comos forward pack. Lacking a decisive answer to play that existed right on the edge of the laws, Cosmos started to flounder and penalties began to go against them.
Despite controlling the scrum and the lineout, Cosmos couldn't sucessfully answer West London in the ruck, where they scrabbled and scraped and niggled until the ball came their way. As their confidence grew, the visitors began to make probing runs down the wing and through the centres and tested the Cosmos defence to the limit. By half time the balance of the game was turning against the Cosmos.
The second half opened with some exciting rugby. Wide running was well supported and both sides turned over the ball in defence, switching quickly to attack. Frustration eventually boiled over with the West London defence at the breakdown and Cosmos prop Bernard Knapp snapped the Referee's patience and earned a yellow card for entering the ruck from an offside position. A harsh penalty for the team who transgressed the least in the game.
West London were quick to capitalise on the one-man overlap but it took a huge effort for them to break the line first time. Although they failed to convert it, they built on their confidence with another two tries, putting the Cosmos behind by one point and in a precarious position.
Forcing their way up the pitch, the Cosmos put Andy Allan within range for an easy penalty kick when West London were caught with hands in the ruck. The 3 points put them back on top, but in the last ten minutes of the game West London forced a try from a succession of pick and drive runs within the Cosmos 5 metre line. Their one successful kick of the game earning them a 5 point lead.
Although the game ended with Cosmos on a spirited attack, driving the ball forward from short range at the West London line, it wasn't enough and the game ended with West London thanking their lucky stars for the full time whistle.
Man of the match was lock Paul Ledington with Declan Magee taking 2 points and new halfback Jesse Foden getting 1 point in an excellent first game for the Cosmos.
Kilburn 17 (J Cameron, P Donaldson tries, A Allan 2 conversions, 1 penalty)
Team: R Nunes, D Magee, B Knapp, P Ledington, J Cameron, C Protherough, A Bursey, S Aitken (C), J Foden, A Allan, A Koporo, S Whyte, P Donaldson, A Gbingie, W Wyrill. Reserves: P Morgan, M Taguri, L Porter
Friday, September 12, 2008
Meet the players - Captain Scott Aitken
So Scott another league season is about to kick off for the Kilburn Cosmos, looking forward to it?
I've pretty much been counting the days since the end of last season
How well prepared do you think the Cosmos are for the season?
We could be a lot better prepared, a few more consistent faces at training would be good
Any differences from last year?
Yeah a few of the Kiwi stalwarts of the last season have returned to New Zealand, so we are looking at a few new faces in key positions
And how do you rate the Cosmos chances in the league?
If we have scored more points then the opposition then we stand a good chance of winning
What teams do you think will be the main contenders?
It was a close competition last year so we'll have to wait a round or three to see how things stand
Kilburn have lost a lot of key players – Bernard, Boyd, Paul Nolan amongst others – how big a loss do you think these players will be and who do you see filling their shoes?
Well Boyd & Bernard leave huge shoes to fill, we have Glenn Cunninghame coming back from injury this season and he is a solid option at 13 for Boyd, but I really see Peter Donaldson stepping up and making a claim for a position in the centres. Guys like Declan Magee & Aly Bursay I think will step up and assume that leadership role vacated by the big man Bernard. Hopefully we can discover another talent like Paul Nolan from amongst the new boys
Any other players we should look out for that can make a difference this year?
Another new boy Paul Ledington at lock I think will add a bit of size and power to the engine room and Chris Garvey I think, playing in his more natural position of fullback this year should really show us what he is capable of.
Bit of background on you – where are you from, who have you played for, what brings you to the UK?
Originally from the Waikato in New Zealand but finished off in Southland. Played for "about half" the clubs in Southland I think (Otautau, Ohai Nightcaps, Midlands, Blues, Wyndham & Eastern Hawks) I moved around a bit, as well as a stint at Alhambra Union while at Uni. I came to the UK to see Liz & Phil, they live near Green Park tube in an old house at the end of the street with a great big fountain in front of it
And how did you find the Cosmos?
They had preseason training down at the local park and I spotted the guy from the tube with the cauliflower ears (Bernard) and realised I must be in the right place, I knew it was the club for me when after my second training Phil Morgan turned up in a Southland jersey to a chorus of 'Phil is a horses a*se'
How have you enjoyed your Cosmos experience so far? This is your 3rd season and 2nd as Captain so you must enjoy it!
Probably the best thing I did when I came to the UK was join the Cosmos. Sad thing is my life pretty much revolves around the rugby club
What's the best thing about the Cosmos?
Our flexibility on player availability
And the worst?
Our flexibility on player availability. No make that the Cosmos who don't show up to trainng
Couple of easy ones to finish – who is your rugby idol, funniest Cosmo, most annoying Cosmos, favourite player to play alongside?
Duane Monkley, the greatest rugby player never to wear an All Black jersey
Funniest Cosmo: John Fenlon the man from Manchester
Most Annoying Cosmos: John Fenlon the Durban breaker
Favourite player to play alongside: Kingi in Lithuania, first time I've every scored 3 tries in a game let alone 20mins and all on the back of barnstorming runs by the fingerless one
Thanks
No thank you
I've pretty much been counting the days since the end of last season
How well prepared do you think the Cosmos are for the season?
We could be a lot better prepared, a few more consistent faces at training would be good
Any differences from last year?
Yeah a few of the Kiwi stalwarts of the last season have returned to New Zealand, so we are looking at a few new faces in key positions
And how do you rate the Cosmos chances in the league?
If we have scored more points then the opposition then we stand a good chance of winning
What teams do you think will be the main contenders?
It was a close competition last year so we'll have to wait a round or three to see how things stand
Kilburn have lost a lot of key players – Bernard, Boyd, Paul Nolan amongst others – how big a loss do you think these players will be and who do you see filling their shoes?
Well Boyd & Bernard leave huge shoes to fill, we have Glenn Cunninghame coming back from injury this season and he is a solid option at 13 for Boyd, but I really see Peter Donaldson stepping up and making a claim for a position in the centres. Guys like Declan Magee & Aly Bursay I think will step up and assume that leadership role vacated by the big man Bernard. Hopefully we can discover another talent like Paul Nolan from amongst the new boys
Any other players we should look out for that can make a difference this year?
Another new boy Paul Ledington at lock I think will add a bit of size and power to the engine room and Chris Garvey I think, playing in his more natural position of fullback this year should really show us what he is capable of.
Bit of background on you – where are you from, who have you played for, what brings you to the UK?
Originally from the Waikato in New Zealand but finished off in Southland. Played for "about half" the clubs in Southland I think (Otautau, Ohai Nightcaps, Midlands, Blues, Wyndham & Eastern Hawks) I moved around a bit, as well as a stint at Alhambra Union while at Uni. I came to the UK to see Liz & Phil, they live near Green Park tube in an old house at the end of the street with a great big fountain in front of it
And how did you find the Cosmos?
They had preseason training down at the local park and I spotted the guy from the tube with the cauliflower ears (Bernard) and realised I must be in the right place, I knew it was the club for me when after my second training Phil Morgan turned up in a Southland jersey to a chorus of 'Phil is a horses a*se'
How have you enjoyed your Cosmos experience so far? This is your 3rd season and 2nd as Captain so you must enjoy it!
Probably the best thing I did when I came to the UK was join the Cosmos. Sad thing is my life pretty much revolves around the rugby club
What's the best thing about the Cosmos?
Our flexibility on player availability
And the worst?
Our flexibility on player availability. No make that the Cosmos who don't show up to trainng
Couple of easy ones to finish – who is your rugby idol, funniest Cosmo, most annoying Cosmos, favourite player to play alongside?
Duane Monkley, the greatest rugby player never to wear an All Black jersey
Funniest Cosmo: John Fenlon the man from Manchester
Most Annoying Cosmos: John Fenlon the Durban breaker
Favourite player to play alongside: Kingi in Lithuania, first time I've every scored 3 tries in a game let alone 20mins and all on the back of barnstorming runs by the fingerless one
Thanks
No thank you
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Kilburn Cosmos Club XV vs Wasps XV - 6th Sep 2008
Kilburn Cosmos RFC 31 - Wasps FC 14
Kilburn Cosmos dominated the final quarter of a friendly encounter with good natured rivals Wasps FC to start their season on a high note with a 31-14 win.
A dominant performance by the Kilburn Cosmos forwards, up against a youthful Wasps pack, paved the way for the Cosmos win.
The set pieces, often not a strength for the Cosmos, were excellent with the scrum, led by props Ben Zaug and new boy Ehi Alonge, always having the upper hand, and the lineout delivering excellent ball for the backs.
The Cosmos started the game well but soon found themselves stuck on their own tryline but, in hopefully a sign of things to come for the season, did not panic and kept Wasps out with committed defence before making the turnover to relieve the pressure.
Denying Wasps possession and therefore keeping the ball away from their dangerous outside backs quickly became obvious as the key to victory and the Cosmos forwards relished keeping the ball in tight. Any ball the forwards let out to the backs was usually run by nuggety scrum half Chris Protherough, who created havoc with his runs from the base of the rucks in a man of the match performance.
What ball fly half Andy Allan did receive he used wisely, either giving it to the big Cosmos midfield of Peter Donaldson and John Fenlon to crash up, or unleashing his long raking kicks to pin Wasps back on their goal line.
Fiery Cosmos flanker Aly Bursey scored the first try, backing up a Protherough break close to the Wasps line, and No 8 Tom O’Connor got the second in similar circumstances. Wasps also scored two first half tries which left the scores tied at 14-14 all.
The second half was dominated by Kilburn, showing the benefits of Wise Owls Monday fitness sessions.
From the restart the Cosmos secured field position on the back of excellent play from the forwards and Andy Allans boot and they rarely left the Wasps half for the 40 minutes. Debutante lock Paul Ledington capped off a great first game with a try down the sideline, Protherough was rewarded for his strong game with a try from a dart down the blindside, and Jon Trout poached a try from a push over scrum to make the final score 31-14.
Scott Aitken skippered the side but also put in a great personal effort, leading by example and making the most decisive tackles of the game. Veteran Peter Donaldson topped the tackle count as a determined defence kept a very able Wasps three quarter line at bay and his centre partner Fenlon showed that he wasn't all talk with an excellent game in the midfield rather than in his usual second row position. Fullback Hayden Wilson showed his class every time he got the ball, either breaking the first tackle or offloading in heavy traffic and Joe O'Brien, in his first ever game of rugby made a couple of storming runs and bounced back well from a couple of heavy hits.
Overall, an impressive first home game to add to the win over Helston RFC on tour two weeks ago.
Kilburn Cosmos dominated the final quarter of a friendly encounter with good natured rivals Wasps FC to start their season on a high note with a 31-14 win.
A dominant performance by the Kilburn Cosmos forwards, up against a youthful Wasps pack, paved the way for the Cosmos win.
The set pieces, often not a strength for the Cosmos, were excellent with the scrum, led by props Ben Zaug and new boy Ehi Alonge, always having the upper hand, and the lineout delivering excellent ball for the backs.
The Cosmos started the game well but soon found themselves stuck on their own tryline but, in hopefully a sign of things to come for the season, did not panic and kept Wasps out with committed defence before making the turnover to relieve the pressure.
Denying Wasps possession and therefore keeping the ball away from their dangerous outside backs quickly became obvious as the key to victory and the Cosmos forwards relished keeping the ball in tight. Any ball the forwards let out to the backs was usually run by nuggety scrum half Chris Protherough, who created havoc with his runs from the base of the rucks in a man of the match performance.
What ball fly half Andy Allan did receive he used wisely, either giving it to the big Cosmos midfield of Peter Donaldson and John Fenlon to crash up, or unleashing his long raking kicks to pin Wasps back on their goal line.
Fiery Cosmos flanker Aly Bursey scored the first try, backing up a Protherough break close to the Wasps line, and No 8 Tom O’Connor got the second in similar circumstances. Wasps also scored two first half tries which left the scores tied at 14-14 all.
The second half was dominated by Kilburn, showing the benefits of Wise Owls Monday fitness sessions.
From the restart the Cosmos secured field position on the back of excellent play from the forwards and Andy Allans boot and they rarely left the Wasps half for the 40 minutes. Debutante lock Paul Ledington capped off a great first game with a try down the sideline, Protherough was rewarded for his strong game with a try from a dart down the blindside, and Jon Trout poached a try from a push over scrum to make the final score 31-14.
Scott Aitken skippered the side but also put in a great personal effort, leading by example and making the most decisive tackles of the game. Veteran Peter Donaldson topped the tackle count as a determined defence kept a very able Wasps three quarter line at bay and his centre partner Fenlon showed that he wasn't all talk with an excellent game in the midfield rather than in his usual second row position. Fullback Hayden Wilson showed his class every time he got the ball, either breaking the first tackle or offloading in heavy traffic and Joe O'Brien, in his first ever game of rugby made a couple of storming runs and bounced back well from a couple of heavy hits.
Overall, an impressive first home game to add to the win over Helston RFC on tour two weeks ago.
Kilburn Ladies vs Chelmsford - 6th Sep 2008
Kilburn Cosmos Women 22 - Chelmsford Ladies 5
A solid display by the Kilburn Cosmos womens rugby team on Saturday as they got their season off to a winning start. Two tries for veteran Karen Aikenhead opened the scoring tally, with one a piece for centre Amy Trafford, and scrum half Lee Sinclair.
Kilburn were quick to dominate Chelmsford Ladies in the first quarter, although the opposition showed no shortage of spirit and hard-tackling ability as they fought to keep out the Cosmos attack. Ariana Ropiha marshalled the backline well and spun the ball to the hard running centres Aikenhead and Trafford, with winger Jo Franklin and fullback Suz Marlow making use of the space they created. In the end it was Aikenhead who crossed the line first to touch down 5 minutes into general play.
Upfront, prop Jen Spano dominated the scrum with Lucy Zaug at hooker showing a remarkable return to form with some devastating runs and some of the biggest hits of the game. Jane Charleton topped the tackle count for the game with some excellent individual defensive efforts, matched only by Ropiha at fly half.
Chelmsford hit back in the second quarter and denied the Cosmos the same level of possession they had enjoyed in the first 20 minutes. Wide running and some good support eventually caught the Cosmos hopping and the visitors crossed the line for their only try.
Chelmsford kept creating try scoring opportunities but poor options by their outside backs and some excellent scrambling defence continually denied them the chance to close the gap on Kilburn.
For the rest of the game, although it was not one way traffic, Kilburn continually had the upper hand, running out eventual winners with a 22-5 score line.
A solid display by the Kilburn Cosmos womens rugby team on Saturday as they got their season off to a winning start. Two tries for veteran Karen Aikenhead opened the scoring tally, with one a piece for centre Amy Trafford, and scrum half Lee Sinclair.
Kilburn were quick to dominate Chelmsford Ladies in the first quarter, although the opposition showed no shortage of spirit and hard-tackling ability as they fought to keep out the Cosmos attack. Ariana Ropiha marshalled the backline well and spun the ball to the hard running centres Aikenhead and Trafford, with winger Jo Franklin and fullback Suz Marlow making use of the space they created. In the end it was Aikenhead who crossed the line first to touch down 5 minutes into general play.
Upfront, prop Jen Spano dominated the scrum with Lucy Zaug at hooker showing a remarkable return to form with some devastating runs and some of the biggest hits of the game. Jane Charleton topped the tackle count for the game with some excellent individual defensive efforts, matched only by Ropiha at fly half.
Chelmsford hit back in the second quarter and denied the Cosmos the same level of possession they had enjoyed in the first 20 minutes. Wide running and some good support eventually caught the Cosmos hopping and the visitors crossed the line for their only try.
Chelmsford kept creating try scoring opportunities but poor options by their outside backs and some excellent scrambling defence continually denied them the chance to close the gap on Kilburn.
For the rest of the game, although it was not one way traffic, Kilburn continually had the upper hand, running out eventual winners with a 22-5 score line.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Kilburn Cosmos vs Helston - 23rd August 2008
Helston 15 - KCRFC 19
Kilburn Cosmos secured a memorable pre-season victory, holding on for a 4 point win over hosts Helston during the annual Cosmos tour to Cornwall.
In bright Cornish sunshine the two teams played for the "Perpetual Challenge" Cup in a good, friendly spirit from the first to the final whistle. Kilburn showed from the start that their passing and ball movement skills were a cut above the hosts and overcame the disadvantage of a depleted side and lightweight pack by putting everything into a game plan based on simple phases, retaining possession and moving the ball through the backs as quickly as possible.
These tactics, combined with an enterprising rugby instinct, paid off early as Andy Allan, fly half, started a move with a sliced kick that went backwards. Gathered in by Chris Garvey, the ball moved through the three quarters back into the forwards for hooker Declan McGee and lock John Cameron to re-establish a solid platform and feed quality ball to the scrum half. The move ended, as it began, with Allan, who made storming run through the Helston defence to cross the line. Garvey's kick gave the visitors a great start and a 0-7 lead.
The pace was relentless for the second quarter, with possession divided more or less equally between the sides. Kilburn's scrambling defence managed to cut off several attempts at the line by determined Helston backs and the Kilburn forwards again secured a solid platform when the ball came back onto their side. John Fenlon made sure that hooker McGee's throws were gathered at the lineout and even with the new laws permitting defenders to pull down mauls, the Cosmos were able to execute several solid drives against a bigger pack.
Kilburn forwards took the honours for the next try with a succession of close drives and rucks and mauls on the try line. Helston fought hard to keep them out but eventually the visitors crashed over the line with Declan McGee giving the ball its final downward pressure.
Helston fought back again and this time the pace of their attack told with a wide move resulting in a try in the corner. Failure to convert meant their advantage was held back to 5 points. Kilburn hit back almost immediately and on the first turn over the ball at the restart Gavin Smales, on the wing but never far from the action, managed to swing wide of the Helston defence and cut back to plant the ball between the posts giving Garvey another easy shot at goal and putting the half time score at a respectable 19-5 to the tourists.
The second half was all about hanging on to the advantage as Helston hit back and in scrum after scrum punished the visitors' lightweight pack and late night tour activities. The Kilburn defence scrambled and struck to keep them at bay for most of the half and some great tackling and running by Mike King at blindside flanker and Glenn Cunninghame in the centre looked like it might win the day outright for the tourists.
Eventually the line gave, and Helston crossed for two hard fought tries in the second half, showing their superior stamina in the last 10 minutes. A frantic rush for the line gave their backs a try to proud of, but their kicker failed to convert either try and their score was pegged back to 15. The last three minutes saw both sides throw everything they had at the game, but in the end Kilburn held on for a close 4 point winning margin.
Kilburn Cosmos secured a memorable pre-season victory, holding on for a 4 point win over hosts Helston during the annual Cosmos tour to Cornwall.
In bright Cornish sunshine the two teams played for the "Perpetual Challenge" Cup in a good, friendly spirit from the first to the final whistle. Kilburn showed from the start that their passing and ball movement skills were a cut above the hosts and overcame the disadvantage of a depleted side and lightweight pack by putting everything into a game plan based on simple phases, retaining possession and moving the ball through the backs as quickly as possible.
These tactics, combined with an enterprising rugby instinct, paid off early as Andy Allan, fly half, started a move with a sliced kick that went backwards. Gathered in by Chris Garvey, the ball moved through the three quarters back into the forwards for hooker Declan McGee and lock John Cameron to re-establish a solid platform and feed quality ball to the scrum half. The move ended, as it began, with Allan, who made storming run through the Helston defence to cross the line. Garvey's kick gave the visitors a great start and a 0-7 lead.
The pace was relentless for the second quarter, with possession divided more or less equally between the sides. Kilburn's scrambling defence managed to cut off several attempts at the line by determined Helston backs and the Kilburn forwards again secured a solid platform when the ball came back onto their side. John Fenlon made sure that hooker McGee's throws were gathered at the lineout and even with the new laws permitting defenders to pull down mauls, the Cosmos were able to execute several solid drives against a bigger pack.
Kilburn forwards took the honours for the next try with a succession of close drives and rucks and mauls on the try line. Helston fought hard to keep them out but eventually the visitors crashed over the line with Declan McGee giving the ball its final downward pressure.
Helston fought back again and this time the pace of their attack told with a wide move resulting in a try in the corner. Failure to convert meant their advantage was held back to 5 points. Kilburn hit back almost immediately and on the first turn over the ball at the restart Gavin Smales, on the wing but never far from the action, managed to swing wide of the Helston defence and cut back to plant the ball between the posts giving Garvey another easy shot at goal and putting the half time score at a respectable 19-5 to the tourists.
The second half was all about hanging on to the advantage as Helston hit back and in scrum after scrum punished the visitors' lightweight pack and late night tour activities. The Kilburn defence scrambled and struck to keep them at bay for most of the half and some great tackling and running by Mike King at blindside flanker and Glenn Cunninghame in the centre looked like it might win the day outright for the tourists.
Eventually the line gave, and Helston crossed for two hard fought tries in the second half, showing their superior stamina in the last 10 minutes. A frantic rush for the line gave their backs a try to proud of, but their kicker failed to convert either try and their score was pegged back to 15. The last three minutes saw both sides throw everything they had at the game, but in the end Kilburn held on for a close 4 point winning margin.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Kilburn Cosmos RFC Old Boys XV v Tauranga Truss RFC 1st XV
Auckland, New Zealand, 2 August 2008
A group of Kilburn Cosmos RFC ex-players got together last month in New Zealand to stage the first reunion game for the club's fledgling "Old Boys" team. At windswept Suburbs RFC, Auckland, the Cosmos Old Boys XV took on the Tauranga Truss 1XV with a line up that included some great names from the 12 year history of Kilburn Rugby, including Owen and Charlie Sanders, Damien Kaukau, Ryan Perkins and former club Chairman Jim Greetham.
The well matched veteran teams started at a strong pace, with scrumhalf Ian Stewart and fly half Todd Williams feeding the ball down the line to Brendon Dwyer and Brook Grimwood in the centres. They unleashed the recent returnee Lyndon White on the wing who touched down for the opening try early in the game. Tauranga replied with a score of their own but Kilburn were soon infront again when a Williams chip kick was scooped up on the line by Hayden Wilson and planted for another try. Andrew Drake and John Worne in the forwards were in the thick of the action but the home side scored again and kept it even, and eventually slipped ahead by one try at halftime. The second half saw the Old Boys go down by two rapid tries from the Home team, but they kept firing, with Ryan Perkins on the wing and Anthony Bowron both nearly crossing the line to reply. Lineout ball was easy picking for Kilburn with leaping Andrew Whitburn and Andrew Drake dominating in the last quarter and setting up a last gasp try for Bowron in the corner to make the final score 30-25.
Commenting, Cosmos Chairman Phil Morgan said: "Its great to hear of so many Kilburn Old Boys getting together in the southern hemisphere and keeping the traditions of the club alive. hearing that so many old faces were on the pitch will inspire the new generation of Cosmos to get that promotion to London regional rugby this year!"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
