G's v Kingston

G’s bounce back to win at home.

After a heavy defeat the week before, away to Old Tiffinians, the work during the week was intense to prepare for Kingston at home.

Kingston, like most teams East Grinstead will face this side of Christmas, were a complete unknown quantity but sat tied on points, but ahead on points difference, heading into the weekend.

G’s kicked off in the sunshine and started spritely, quickly turning ball over. Through heavy carries and asserting dominance at the breakdown they won an early penalty within kicking distance. Slotted by Oli Billins, 3-0 to EG after 4 mins of play.

Kingston returned with a kick off and dominance of their own, forcing errors and chaos as they went. Winning a penalty and kicking deep into the corner, their pack executed a well worked catch and drive to score, conversion missed.

Pressure now on East Grinstead, Kingston capitalised and pushed hard and deep into the G’s half winning two more penalties, this time within kickable distance.

20 mins gone. East Grinstead 3 – 11 Kingston.

The following 10 minutes it was all East Grinstead, but as is so often with this season, silly errors costing them the chance to convert into serious points. Another Oli Billin penalty helped to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

As the score tightened, as did the game and it became a much more physical affair with hard and high tackles flooding in from both sides. Ben Saunders (man of the match), nearly having his head taken off was not seen by the ref but it was Sam Spriddell that saw yellow for a very unlucky challenge 2 mins before the half.

Half-time. East Grinstead 6 – 11 Kingston

A strong halftime team-talk, saw East Grinstead change tack and play the rugby in the right areas of the pitch, deciding to play a territory game. Applying a kick-chase style of play, changed the game and took the physical aspect out of the lumpy Kingston side.

In the second half, penalty after penalty was awarded to EG. We have seen plenty of players carded for repeat infringement, but none were award to Kingston throughout the game.
Oli Billin kicking 2 of the penalties in first 20 mins and contributing to a sudden change in momentum, in favour of East Grinstead.

A couple of tactical changes saw some fresh legs enter the fray and pushed the tempo of the game up, out of reach of the tiring Kingston pack. This allowed G’s to pounce in the gnarly form of Ryland Thomas who scored his first of the season.

One more Oli Billin penalty made it a 2-score points difference.

Whilst Kingston rallied and the last 10 mins were very intense; missed intentional knock-ons, strong words and hard, hard tackles, Kingston could not add to their tally.

Full time. East Grinstead 20 – 11.

This result sees EGRFC leapfrog Kingston in the table and set up a great away fixture to Old Walcoutians next week, who sit just 3 points ahead currently.

A great day for the club with 3 senior mens’ sides playing at home, with 3 home victories to boot.

Lovely to see the brace of Morgans’ and the trio of Marriotts’ grace the field at the same time in the vets fixture.

Onwards.