Having put our miserable start to the season behind us over the last few weeks, we were determined to carry on the trend against Hellingly, which would move us above them in the league. Having played the ‘Loonies’ five times last season, we knew they would be big, direct and ferocious in the set piece - We were not disappointed! Our pack, however, has been growing in stature and were keen to prove themselves against these black and gold behemoths.

The sun was shining at Saint Hill and the pitches looked resplendant, the warm up went well and as kick off approached, we were keen and confident. Lampkin started as he finished last week with a fine catch and drive, there followed some phases of great quality from which we exited and worked a penalty which was poked into the corner. Blackledge caught the throw and flopped over unopposed for a fantastic start. Hellingly were stung into action and smashed into us for the next quarter with relentless charges down the center using all of their large battering ram’s. Our fantastic defence was stretched, but held firm and instead, it was nice hands from the Grinstead backs that saw Brooke bundle over for our second. De la Haye ran a lovely line, but was deemed to have lost the ball forward in the act of scoring but our awesome pack won the ball against the Hellingly feed (Wonder how many times that happens against this Loonies unit), quick ball saw Marriott duck back inside for our third. There was still time for De la Haye to make amends as he strode through the cover, stepped the fullback and trotted under the posts. Half time 28 - 0.

Like last week, we started the second half a little lethargically and it wasn’t long before an infringement was punished as Hellingly scored their first points of the game 28 - 3. Again we found ourselves under the pump and a well worked try followed to bring the visitors score to 10. Hellingly were now visibly tiring and we knew that a bit of width would put our fast boys round the edges, so a training park move saw Radcliffe released down the left. Leaving four tacklers in his wake, the speedy wing scorched under the posts for a cracker. Cookie took a quick tap and bundled over before a high tackle saw De la Hey see yellow. Even with 14 on the pitch, G’s still looked threatening and it was us who had the last score as the excellent Stokes, not for the first time during the match, took the ball from a Loonie carrier like candy from a baby, spun and sprinted clear. The whistle went with the scoreboard showing a respectable 49 - 10.

Special mentions to Steven Cooke who converted every one of our seven tries in metronomic fashion - his try made his personal haul 19! All our tight 5 were amazing, but Max Evans, at 18, facing one of the biggest props I have ever seen, was a inspiration. This platform saw us steal two against the head and was arguably the most impressive part of our game. Andy Apps had a great debut on the flank and Dodge was again excellent in the centre. My MoM and DotD however, go to the same person. Will De la Haye was everywhere in attack and defence and scored a brilliant individual try - He did however, drop the ball over the line and get a yellow card! Congratulations, and thanks for the jugs!