Spring’s long-awaited arrival made Ditchling the perfect setting for an afternoon of rugby, with conditions shifting dramatically over the course of the match. The game started under clear blue skies and bright sunshine, accompanied by a strong, testing wind, before giving way to heavy rain showers and even a brief hail shower as the contest unfolded. Despite the changeable weather, the impeccably prepared 1st team pitch remained a credit to the ground staff more akin to a pristine cricket outfield or croquet lawn than a typical rugby surface.

G’s kicked off into the strong wind, immediately pinning the hosts deep in their own half. Early exchanges were competitive, with G’s building phases through powerful, driving play, while Ditchling responded effectively using their centres to carry hard and mixing in tactical kicks to test the visitors’ backfield. Sustained pressure from Ditchling followed, as their centre partnership threatened the G’s
line. The defence held firm with determined tackling, but a pivotal moment came when Ben T intervened off the ball to deny a near certain try scoring opportunity. The resulting yellow card, while costly was a calculated decision that likely prevented seven points. Ditchling capitalised on the numerical advantage to edge ahead 3–0.

Grinstead’s response was immediate and authoritative. Strong attacking play, combined with dominant scrummaging, earned a penalty directly in front of the posts which was calmly converted to level the score at 3–3. From that point on G’s took control. A well-executed attacking move saw G’s first try. After a scrum in their own half and attacking plays in the centre from the forwards making their meters and a line break from Max Crawley-Moore which led Gs to gain front foot ball. This allowed Luke Maker to score in the corner, duly converted by Noah to take the lead.

Confidence grew as Ted added a second try dotting down again in the corner after a well constructed lineout on their 5 meter channel, with a bit of phase play up the middle in carries and soft hands to the edge, Ted was able to add more points on the board. This was not to be converted.

Further direct running led to Jake squeezing over the line, through another dominant scrum, Gs were able to give the backs a platform to carry out a successful strike move, once again leading to more points on the board for the Five Feathers. This was converted by Noah. Finally through a lot of broken play and hard one up carries, Ben T was able to cross the white wash to score the last try of the game and snatch the bonus point. This was to be shortly followed by the conversion from Noah to seal the deal.

By full time, G’s had asserted their dominance, running out convincing 27–3 winners in a mixed performance. The score should have reflected more trys but another enjoyable game for the squad.