A truly fantastic way to end one of our best seasons ever

1st XV

Old Gravesendians RFC 5 - East Grinstead RFC 14

Saturday 26th April 2008

For their final game of the season G's travelled to the Kent 1 side for the play-off game to gain promotion to London South East IV; the league they had been relegated from 2 seasons previously. Selection for the game had been a real headache for the coaches and captain, as full availability meant a number of hard choices. But G's were confident that they were travelling to the game with the strongest side they had on paper and probably put out all season.

Arriving at Old Gravesendians they were greeted by perfect playing conditions and a pitch ideal for their fast flowing game. Arriving in plenty of time G's had a perfect warm-up and approached the game positively, knowing that if they played to the best of their ability they could beat any side. They were also aware that many previous sides from Sussex 1 had fallen at the final hurdle, playing the traditionally stronger Kent sides.

From the outset G's were under almost constant pressure and it was a theme that was to continue for the whole game. The OG's pack was playing well and their retention of the ball from set play situations was to starve G's of the ball all afternoon. With the ball in hand G's looked impressive and their back line fired well all afternoon and was fantastic both in defence and attack. But in was Grinsteads defence that was to prove to be the winning formula on the day. They repelled the OG's attack all afternoon and when on the counter attack took advantage of the holes in the OG's line.

G's two tries came in the first half and were both made from broken play. Their first try came from turnover ball, started on their own ten metre line. The backs were able to create an overlap in the confusion and winger Andy Fairweather took the ball on the half way line. He stepped and out paced his winger and then brilliantly did the same to the talented OG's full back to score the first try of the game. Full-back James Ohlson scored an easy conversion and G's led 7-0. G's second try came from their aggressive defence again. James Crittell and Anthony Leather were hassling and in the faces of their opposition all afternoon and this led to some mistakes from their opposition centres. A missed pass saw the ball bounce free and Crittell was on hand to hack the ball through. His superior pace saw him out run the defensive line and a kind bounce on the way through saw him snap up the ball and score under the posts. The conversion was again made and G's led 14-0.

OG's came back with a try in response, their pressure eventually telling on G's and they scored a try in the corner for their points of the game. The conversion was missed and G's turned round at half-time leading 14-5. The second half was a half of pure attrition from both sides. G's soaking up all the OG's could throw at them and then attacking back when they achieved some possession. The game turned towards the middle second half when Anthony Leather made a massive hit on their winger, six foot plus and well built, this hit turned G's confidence to belief and they now started to believe they could win the game. For the last minutes G's had all the possession and kept the ball in the forwards to grind out a fantastic win.

All G's players, coaches and supporters went crazy when the final whistle went, a fitting end to two years of training and some fantastic results along the way. Grinstead Captain James Smith said "What an amazing way to finish the season, a true reflection of the work and commitment shown by players and coaching staff alike. To win a game like this with such a young side is an amazing feat. It was a truly incredible game to play in; I have never been involved in such a game of pure defence and counter attack. The boys showed amazing pride and passion and they all deserve to feel so proud of the achievement. We went into the game knowing that we would have to be at the top of form to beat this Kent side. We all knew the previous history of Sussex 1 sides in the play-off's and that makes the victory even sweeter. A truly fantastic way to end one of our best seasons ever."

Head Coach Mark Lewis said "I have been so lucky to have such talent and commitment from a team of such youngsters. I cannot wait for the new season in London South East IV."

Man of the Match