Kingston v G's

The Perfect Storm.

Coming off the back of a home walkover against Old Cranleighans, It was going to be a test of the East Grinstead team's hunger, to turn up to a Kingston team we felt we had the making of.

A quick walk of the pitch and it was clear to see the type of rugby the Kingston team would play at home, with a sloping hill that would typically require a Sherpa. Kingston won the toss and elected to play downhill first. This suited us fine as it had always been the plan for the Grinstead team to play uphill in the first half to demoralise the Kingston pack and then turn the screw in the downhill second half.

Grinstead kicked to Kingston to get things underway, Oli Billin slotting it wonderfully between the pack. A hungry G’s team hunting instantly for that turn over - it wasn’t long before we had one. The Grinstead forwards running hard and making instant yards, the backline soon sniffed an opportunity and the superstar Ted Hardisty managed to use his quick feet and found himself outside his opposite number, and over the whitewash, for the first points of the afternoon.

The game soon slowed down after the initial score, with both teams testing the oppo defensive systems. G’s inevitably coming out on top, with some massive tackles coming in by the front rowers Guy Collins and Brimo. The backs again finding ample space to fling their balls around, soon managed to get none other than Oli Billin, having the season of a lifetime, through on goal and dotting down under the sticks, to give himself an easy 7 points to add to his impressive tally.

Very shortly after (not totally certain of who it was - probably Ryland), someone managed to get over the ball in a breakdown and were awarded a penalty for his ridiculously good breakdown skills, which gave Oli Billin a chance at 3 which he took with pleasure. Jake Radcliffe not wanting to be shown up and having learnt not to kick from hand anymore (or so we thought) found himself over the whitewash twice in quick succession either side of halftime, both efforts showing his pure unadulterated raw speed and strength to get through the defensive line and see his opportunities off. A healthy lead, 0 – 29 - it was all Grinstead way so far.

Having two coaches to lean on at halftime, it had been a tale of the good and bad, with areas to work on and what we had been doing well. The good cop, bad cop, routine from the team seemed to help keep the game momentum going. Receiving this time, the Pack made easy work of the kick off, secured by Guy Collins, who set up Noah (who has been doing a superb job standing in at 9 during this time), to easily clear the lines and reset further up field. With Dan Poulton now at 10 and a ‘fresh’ set of eyes to dissect the Kingston team, it wasn’t long before more tries came in.

Jake again finding himself in space, and being the ever-unselfish player he is, drew the last defender sublimely for none other than Oli Billin to see himself in on goal again. To be honest, writing this I'm unsure how Jake didn’t get MOM (I can only assume Connor paid the Kingston lot). Ben Tottman usually the silent assassin usually more accustomed to chopping players down, somehow found himself with ball in hand thanks to Brimos crazy ripping skills, boshed his way over the line to grab himself 5 points and keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Now for the dick of the day moment, Guy Collins found himself in an uncomfortable position against Kingston's skillful 12, was bowled over attempting to keep the breakdown guard position, which resulted in the only Kingston score of the game. Guy, continuing to argue this moment in the changing room after, was just unbecoming, but I guess when you’re not used to getting run over, it’s a hard pill to swallow.

The last cheers of the day went to Dan Billin (bloody hell it’s the Billin show today) who from the halfway line thanks to some defiant defence from the Grinstead team, saw Kingston forced to fling ball out wide with poor accuracy and Dan managing to scoop the ball up and, finally getting use out of that Slow 75 work out routine he keeps going on about, finished his run under the posts without pulling his hamstring, to see the final whistle out.

A great result by the boys, who will now face a wounded Teddington after their defeat to Old Tiffs next Saturday.