Horsham II v G's

A cup game is always such a definitive affair and East Grinstead wanted this to be the first game of another long cup run.

After a sombre warm up which was somewhat lackluster, the first whistle of the match livened things up and the boys flew out of the blocks. East Grinstead were lighting sparks all over the park, 1-15 absolutely dominating their tasks and working aggressively for each other. It was a sight to behold - hard up running by the forwards creating space for the backs to do their business.

A dominant G’s scrum stealing Horsham ball against the head and quick attacking phases set the tone and caused penalties to be awarded. The first points of the game, all coming from Ollie Billin’s formidable boot, which has been phenomenal so far this season.

An early substitution by the East Grinstead coaches, brought debutant Ted Hardisty on to the wing, quick ball out wide and it looked all but certain he was on the scoresheet with his first touch, only to be stopped short by a guillotine like high tackle. With advantage playing on, the ever elusive Harry White jinked his way through and over the whitewash! Nothing like making sure you leave your mark in what is to be his last appearance as he heads back to upside down land.

It was all about to change though, as Ryland Thomas put hands in the ruck letting the Horsham 10, kick his team out of danger. With the pressure off the Greens, it turned into the Horsham show. Slowly working their way into the East Grinstead half and then 5m mark with excellent controlled rugby, Horsham found the weakness for the day the driving maul. Try Horsham and the half time whistle soon followed. A very successful first half and a very spritely East Grinstead. After a few words from Sandy and Ryland it was time to screw the nut and ensure we keep the scoreboard ticking over.

It was sadly not to be, with the Horsham spectators raising the volume, East Grinstead were unable to stop conceding penalties and trys. Horsham kept pinning G’s back into their 22, the defense held firm again and again until Horsham pushed it wide and with a few lumps bouldered over the line.

A Jake Radcliffe spectacular dragged G’s into the lead once more, but it wasn’t enough as the big green runners were held up on a number of occasions but eventually broke the defence down and scored another. Two more late trys took the scoreboard away from a tiring G’s.

A very tough defeat to take but we switch focus back to the league, a big weekend of rugby against Weybridge Vandals and a must win for the team to get the season back on track.

MoM for his second week in a row - Oli Billins (can he make it a hat trick).

DoD - Guy Collins for putting his hands in the cookie jar one too many times.

Special mentions to Luke Maker, Ted Hardisty and Will Bramwell all making their 1st XV debuts and Harry White for his last - Good luck mate - you are welcome back anytime.