iverpool 3 AC Milan 3 – Champions League Final 2005
Man Utd 2 Bayern Munich 1 – Champions League Final 1999
France 43 New Zealand 31 – Rugby World Cup Semi Final 1999

All great sporting comebacks, and now we have another

East Grinstead U12s 9 HastingsU12s 7

It's fair to say the boys started slowly. The rucking and scrums weren't working and the boys, with the exception of the ever trusty Louis and Ben W (who put in a monster hit) seemed fazed by the opposition.
We went 5 tries down but thankfully managed to get it back to 5-2 by half time. We, as coaches, had agreed what needed to be done for the second half and we communicated this to the boys, namely spread the ball wide more and man mark the one threatening player they had on the park. The latter job we earmarked for Oscar and, to his credit, he was well up for the task.

Importantly though at half time, no heads were down and no-one was asking to come off - We sensed they were up for it.

Now it's one thing to identify a plan but quite another to execute it, and this is where the boys truly did us proud. Immediately we started clawing back the deficit by simply playing the ball wide more. Nath and Reece (1 try) brilliantly dictated play and Oscar (2 tries), Alex M (2 tries), Josh (1 try), Torran (1 try), Ben G and Louis in the backs ran them ragged.

Again, real credit to Oscar. He carried out his marking job to perfection, at one point bravely taking down their threatening number 13 with a thumping front-on try saving tackle - Ouch!

We still needed to make hard yards though when it mattered and where the backs led the forwards followed with their effort and enthusiasm. In the thick of it were Will (1 try), Reggie (1 try), Michael, Connor, Alex V, Alfie, Ben W and Antony. All of them became different animals after half time prepared to get stuck in to win the ball, aggressive at the breakdown and willingly supporting each other by putting their bodies on the line.

Eventually we clawed the deficit back and after snubbing out a brief Hastings comeback win 9-7 - Relief all round.

We as coaches are so proud of them. The grit they displayed to want to win was brilliant. And whereas in times gone by heads would have gone down had they gone 5 tries down, this time they encouraged, supported and helped each other over the line.

Importantly as well they listened, thought and executed. Believe it or not, I was always coached rugby is a thinking game first and foremost, and whilst Steve and Jon (being forwards), may disagree with this (joke!) we all felt their desire and willingness to change how they played was brilliant.

The boys thoroughly deserved this win antsd should take real confidence from it. The attitude from all of them was first class and we are so pleased for them. Again, please show them this report as they all deserve praise for their efforts.

Final mention to Jai, who despite not being registered yet turned up and supported – Really good effort.

We have another big match next week so same again from them please. Selection will go out this week from Jon and only a couple more big pushes until the end of the season.

Thanks to the parents for their support - See you Sunday.