‘Twas the weekend before Christmas, when at Saint Hill, not a patron was sitting, all were engrossed by what was set to unfold. Ditching were the visitors, arriving in strong form and spurred on by the prospect of the EG scalp.

The game kicked off and Ditchling were give a hasty realisation of the challenge that confronted them when at the first scrum they were pushed back off their own ball and knocked off their feet, with the cheering from the Gearon pavilion and the blow of the referee’s whistle bringing them back down to reality as the wincing Ditching front row looked towards their bench for hope and relief - a theme that continued throughout the game.

East Grinstead started on the front foot and began getting into their stride when some ill discipline, an excellent kick and well worked line out move saw Ditchling open the scoring. There was an immediate response from the G’s as a linkup between Jake Radcliffe and Connor Leggat broke the line before fly half Ryland Thomas (yes, your eyes do not deceive you) went over from close range. A second try from the G’s followed as Ben Marelli made a break and stepped past 4 defenders to score. Some excellent Interplay between Max Crawley-Moore, Ben Marelli and Jake Radcliffe saw Jake go over. However, Ditchling then managed to get themselves back into the game and build a platform, scoring after a period of pressure. Soon after it was halftime 17-12 to East Grinstead. The game was not done and G’s knew they had to push on from here.

A turnover quickly after half time and some tight forward carrying opened up the space for Jake Radcliffe to run-in from 40 gliding past the full back in the process to give East Grinstead the bonus point. Some further forward play saw Tim Morris unleashed, tip-toeing his way round an injured Ditchling player, to score from 20 yards out. Despite further pressure and an almost mythical try, where Max Crawley Moore was just beaten to a Ryland Thomas chip kick by the touchline, Ditchling held firm and pounced back with a breakaway try down the wing. Ditchling ended the game on the front foot but firm East Grinstead try line defence saw Ditchling leave the game empty handed. Final Score 29-17 bringing a Christmas to all in attendance.

Ben Marelli was a constant attacking threat, beating defenders and making line breaks throughout and was deservingly awarded man of match There were unfortunately a couple of nasty leg injuries suffered by Ditchling players, we wish them well with their recoveries.