A loss, but many good things learned

I’m not going to write a load of rubbish like normal because I am really proud of all the boys today - from Bob in his 60’s to our youngsters. Well done!

We played a very different and very good Edenbridge side this afternoon, and although we lost, I loved it. I have almost forgotten what it feels like to have to raise yourself to another level, both individually and as a team. There have been times this season where we haven’t had to get out of second gear to win, and I thought that by the final whistle we were playing in at least 5th - just wish we had gotten there quicker. The three tries we scored today were class and hard earned, and every yard gained was a battle.

We started strongly and only tiny mistakes were costing us dear as Bridge punished our mistakes relentlessly. In fact they scored against the run of play and I could see that some of us were a bit shocked at the intensity of the opposition, heads dropped, two more tries quickly followed. We could have folded, but beautiful hands saw the ball to Baston whose draw and pass was perfection for Titch to canter under the sticks!

After the break again Bridge battered us across the pitch and two more tries were conceded but we were never out of it. Great hard running from Halligey, Lampkin, Bowden and Redmond gave the backs a nice platform all game, and Ben Gray playing beautifully made several scintillating line breaks. Dodge and Baston, solid against large and skillful centres all afternoon, started carrying with real purpose, even I had a few runs!! One of these breaks led to a gorgeous team try where several players broke the gain line before the ball got to Redmond, who with work to do, managed to stay on his feet and crash over - Class. Another break led to a delightful offload to Bowden who cantered through to score another beauty and suddenly our tails were up, everyone wanted the ball and if only there was more time.... But it wasn’t to be.

Edenbridge were perfect opposition, a hard game, with plenty of niggle, but great hosts and I got a few cuddles after the match - Even got a jug in the changing room afterwards!

We have gotten a bit soft. I hope this game is what we needed to get us ready for the promotion playoffs and cup run to come. We need to start next week against Pulborough the way we finished today! We are sometimes too quiet, lets raise it boys - we can be a really good team! Thank you all, I really enjoyed it - gonna be proper sore in the morning!!!

Lastly, Happy Birthday Jack! (Who told me off for being too feisty)