Clare 18 - 5 Downing

CCK, a third division team made up of players from Kings, Clare and Corpus, have beaten first division Downing causing the first major upset of Cuppers 2010. CCK have now won two matches in Cuppers, first defeating Fitz, whilst Downing, as a seeded team, were given a bye into the first round. On the day the underdogs deserved their win, playing with aggression and team spirit that was lacking in the complacent favourites.

What is most amazing about this result is that it did not come from a single, wild break-away try, but from consistent and measured rugby. Both CCK and Downing are proud of their packs and unlike many college teams they both put out an eligible front row week in week out, allowing contested scrums. On this occasion the less experienced pack were the stronger and drove Downing back several times. Downing still took first blood, with a breakaway try, but in true professional form CCK slowly worked their way out of the deficit using intelligent kicking and a blitz defence to keep Downing out of the game. By half time CCK had managed to score a try on the wing from Tom Donovan as well proving they know when to take the points by successfully opting to take three points from a kickable penalty. The mentality of keeping your opponents boxed in whilst making sure the scoreboard is ticking over is a mature one for a third division College team but CCK proved they were up to the challenge.

As the game progressed the comeback that Downing fans expected never arrived. CCK now had the wind on their backs and kept Downing pinned in their corners with a mixture of long kicks, diligent chasing, and strong rucking.

The CCK forwards didn’t tire either and their scrums and lineouts were dominant all the way until the final whistle. With a second half penalty and another try from winger Donovan, CCK were home and dry. Downing will be frustrated at the unexpected result but it was a fair one; regardless of their division the favourites were not the best team on the day and if they couldn’t stop CCK they deserve to go out.

The next round will bring further challenges for CCK who will most likely take on Hughes Hall in the quarter finals. However, if this result has taught us anything about Cuppers rugby it is that it’s unpredictable. Who knows, perhaps CCK can do the unthinkable and win their side of the draw, knocking out Hughes Hall and John’s, to reach the final. With less than four weeks to go CCK are going to be worth watching.