Seconds Still Unbeaten

Putting my shorts on this week was a lot less pleasant after the weather finally decided it would try and do a bit of winter! The sun was shining again though, as a large and vocal crowd invaded Saint Hill to watch this crucial game against Rye. With some of the oppo stuck in traffic, kick off was delayed for 20 minutes, which gave the boys a good warm up and plenty of time to settle. Having gone 12 points down, before getting going last week, we were determined to start with more passion and control and not gift our visitors with any opportunities.

Rye are always a large and powerful side and this team was no exception, but it was G’s who showed up, taking quick control with our carries making great dents as we ran through the phases. Ross Perry started the score board ticking over with a surge no defender could repel. This was followed by nine further tries throughout the match: A brace each for Bapo, Matt Brooke and Zach, and one each for the FR boys Chris Franklin & Jambo, with Ryland also sneaking over.

The scoreline makes the game seem very one sided, but Rye played their part with real energy and never gave up. The passion spilled over a bit in the last quarter with a few cards shown and a bit of handbags, which was a shame as it was a great game to watch and play in. All the forwards had great games in the set piece and the loose, the second row of Charlie and Ross was outstanding and Chris Franklin was brilliant off the bench with great supporting runs and huge defensive hits. Cooke controlled things nicely from 10 again, Matt Brooke excellent, Zach and Bapo try machines, but my MoM Goes to Ryland, who over the last couple of weeks has played with great panache and maturity! Thank you brother! DotD also goes to Ryland who dropped a ridiculous goal after the whistle had gone, and then looked disgusted that the ref should somehow not award it!

This now means we have played and beaten every team in the league and now the return fixtures begin. Hellingly next week at home will be a huge challenge as they so nearly snatched victory from us earlier in the season!