A new season & a new chapter

Our new season started where the previous one had finished with a visit to Ditchling RFC.
We travelled south with high expectations after an excellent pre-season and a squad combining the experienced seniors from previous campaigns along with the exuberance of youth from a number of Colts of last season, stepping up to senior rugby.
There was clear intent from the outset, under the regime brought in by Matt Ratana, Head Coach and Leslie Hunter, DoR.
Discipline was evident throughout - from timely arrival, through the warm-up, during the game itself and post match, where we made a great job of leaving the changing room, at least as clean, if not cleaner, than when we found it!
The game started under a blazing sun, with some early pressure from EG pushing Ditchling back up the hill into their half. Ditchling conceded a breakdown penalty around their 22m , which Oli Billin stepped up to slot confidently to give EG the first points on the board and going some way to settle the nerves.
EG continued to chase down Ditchling, with a great line defence putting pressure on the home side and enabling a number of turn-overs in their half. From these turnovers, EG showed great control and excellent teamwork to keep the scoreboard ticking over, with two tries from the back line pushing the score out to 0-16.
We maybe became a little comfortable, as our defensive line, which had been fairly solid, was opened up by some aggressive forward play from Ditchling, putting their first points in the board.
Thankfully, we switched on again and scored a further try before half-time, going into the break 5-23 ahead.

We began the second half, as we had done the first with great intent and intensity. Following a move involving what seemed like half the team, Jambo Funnell grounded the ball after running great support line to yield the first points for our forwards. Duly converted we carried on where we had left off at the end of the first half.
Timings and details of all the scores are shown in the 'stats' section, but worthy mention must go to Matt Tompkinson.
After our third second half try, Matt was the receiver of the Ditchling restart and proceeded to make his own '60 yard dash' - collecting the ball on our 10m line and running, albeit slightly downhill, to the Ditchling try line and grounding the ball for a great individual try.

The overall performance was a great team effort, showing purpose, discipline, intent and intensity. Great support in attack. We were not perfect by any means - we leaked two tries that ought to have been prevented, we lost possession in contact too many times and need to sharpen the line-out but showed the potential in this squad of players.

Unfortunately, we no longer have 'Man' of the Match, we have to have a 'Player' of the Match instead - even though this is Mens Senior Rugby! Who else could win other than a man? But it is what it is.
After lengthy deliberation and consideration of a number of contenders - Jake Radcliffe for his hat-trick, Steve Cooke for the opening try and solid spot kicking, Captain Oliver settled on Matt Tompkinson - not only for the solo try but solid defence, great communication and his first outing at no.8!

Step 1 complete, 21 steps to go. #ONWARDS!