The final match of the season. Nothing to lose. The boys were in high spirits and the sun was out, with a moderate breeze sweeping across the pitch, perfect rugby weather.

After a tight result in the opening match of the season at home, we went into this one believing we had a real opportunity to better that outcome. This wasn’t just any game either, it marked Ryland’s final league game in an East Grinstead shirt. It was a team effort to give him a send-off to remember.

The first half was a display of grit and physicality, with much of the play taking place in our own half. Playing slightly against the wind, we knew it would play a big role in the second forty. Despite being under pressure for much of the half and struggling to get out of our own territory, we held firm defensively. The half ended with Cornish just 7-0 ahead, a valiant effort by the squad to keep the scoreline tight.

At half-time, we knew we had more to give. Ryland, determined to finish his career going forward and not backward, led the charge. Unfortunately, a small error just after the restart led to another Cornish score, this time through a slick midfield move. Despite the setback, we regathered and turned the pressure onto the opposition. With the wind now in our favour, a couple of smart kicks, flawless lineouts and smooth hands out wide led to our first score. A clever grubber through the defence by Oli Billin was well chased and grounded by Noah Roberts.

Shortly after, a brief lapse in our defensive line and some tidy footwork from the Cornish outside centre saw him notch his second of the game. With the score at 21-7 to London Cornish and time running low, the boys were still full of fight. In a passage of play reminiscent of our first try, we pushed back into their half. Crisp handling to the wing gave Will Roberts the space to unleash his pace and trademark footwork for a well-deserved finish in the corner. Two more points were added by O. Billin to close the gap to just one converted try.

With momentum on our side, we surged back into the Cornish half once more. Excellent set-piece execution and strong phase play brought the ball out to young debutant Ben Marelli on the left wing. With explosive speed and dazzling footwork, Ben sprinted in for an awesome debut try, dotting the ball down (more or less) on the line! Oli Billin, with the ball on a string, slotted the conversion beautifully from the touchline despite the tricky crosswinds.

With the scores level at 21-21, the game ended in an exciting draw. Perhaps with a minute or two more, a winning try might have been on the cards, but ultimately, it was a great contest against a well-matched London Cornish side under the spring sunshine.
Congratulations to Man of the Match, Michael Presland, for yet another dominant display in the front row. Dick of the Day goes to Oli Billin, not for any particular reason, but just because.

A special shoutout to young Ben Marelli, earning his first cap for the 1st XV with a debut try, hopefully the first of many in the blue and white jersey.

But most importantly, to Ryland for an exceptional career at East Grinstead. Despite collecting nearly as many yellow cards as he has appearances, he remains a true role model of what it means to wear the blue and white.

Attention now turns to 12th April, when the first team face Haywards Heath in the opening round of the Papa Johns Cup. The boys will be bringing the same energy and passion into next weekend, with hopes of adding some silverware to cap off the season!