U14 East Grinstead 7 v 7 Crowborough

It's been along time since we've met up with our old friends over in Crowborough. Multiple friendlies arranged and subsequently cancelled over the last 2 years due to weather and competition match re-arrangements... But we finally got it on this weekend in our final match of Round 2 of the u14 Youth Competition. Historically we have always been very evenly matched with perhaps Crowborough having the little edge over us more often then not. So with a 2 year break is was going to be interesting if we still measure up to each other.

Game got underway promptly @ 11:00
G's were hot to trot and started very strongly.
Although as we expected, the sides were very evenly matched... G's seemed to have the upper hand for the first 10-15 minutes. 11:08 and the first score came from an on form Alex Moore collecting a ball spread in to mid-field from a break down but showing some great footwork and determination to get over the Try line. Conversion from James Young and 7 - 0 the score and the perfect start.
Crowborough though did not let up, and indeed for the last 10 minutes of the half were very definitely on the ascendance. 11:17 and Crows got their score, converted and the score 7 all in to half time.

Pt 2.
And as instructed G's had to re-stamp their authority to halt the Crows from growing in confidence.
The second half is fair to say all G's game... majority of possession, All the territory and we attacked the Crows try line time and time again. One such time being an enormous effort from the Forwards in a driving mall, collapsed and brought short, then again, short again, then a pick and dive from Andrew Burns at 9 for the Try... disallowed for double movement! Andrew Burns once again involved in the action when he late in the game put in a chip and chase down the left hand 5m channel... ball sat nice in the in-goal area for Andrew and Josh from Crowborough to tap it down.... Try given....? But no, Linesman closer to the action informed the referee that sadly not... Crow borough got there first.

So final score, 7 v 7.
But no complaints, What a Cracking game !!!
Parents and Coaches should be enormously Proud of how players in both teams performed.
Personally speaking... our best match of the year so far and very pleased with the Teams performance.

Men of the Match
2 chosen this week by Crowborough Head Coach.

Will Roberts, First time playing at 15 this week for Will and he did a grand job of it. Solid under the high ball several times and made great ground in counter attack running. Several times running in wing support on the attack including shadow Alex Moore all the way over the line. And several uncompromising tackles in defence as well!

Andrew Burns, great return to form for Andy this week as well. Solid game asking questions of the Crowborough defence numerous times with little darts from the breakdown. Passing a little shaky to start but through the game grew more confident and accurate. And that Try that wasn't.... :-((