A beautiful sunny day saw the East Grinstead u14s host their first league match of the season against Eastbourne. East Grinstead had previously beaten Eastbourne in a 7’s competition last season (coming out eventual cup winners) but this would be the first time the two teams had met for a full fixture.
The first half started well with some great handling and recycling from East Grinstead, but Eastbourne worked hard too, proving this was going to be a tough game. Johnny Denbigh made a couple of great runs out wide but each time was taken into touch. A knock-on from East Grinstead gave Eastbourne the upper hand as from this scrum their number 8 made a break and scored their first try, followed by an easy conversion. East Grinstead came back fighting from the restart with some strong defensive play and a try saving tackle from Harvey Seal. Some scrappy Eastbourne play allowed William Jolley to break through and force an East Grinstead penalty close to the try line. A quick penalty and the ball found its way down the line to Johnny Denbigh for a try under the posts, converted by William Blackburn.
From the restart Conor Sullivan made a great catch and bolted up the wing, followed by some great supporting play falling just short of the line. From the resulting line-out the Eastbourne number 8 again broke for a second try, easily converted. A half time score of 7-14 to Eastbourne.
The second half started with better work in the rucks and mauls and it took just four minutes before the ball found its way to Johnny Denbigh loitering on the wing to claim his second try.
Further pressure from William Jolley and Radley Minter ensured East Grinstead retained possession and after a number of rucks, the ball worked its way down the line to Harvey Seal who scored East Grinstead’s third try in the corner.
The second half saw relentless pressure from East Grinstead, the majority of play in the Eastbourne half. However, in the last minute Eastbourne kicked for territory and following further pressure won a lineout close to the East Grinstead line. Some desperate defence saw Eastbourne awarded another penalty close to the line. Eastbourne took a quick tap but East Grinstead held. Eastbourne spun off the back of the maul with the line in sight but some incredible defence by Harry Thompson saw the ball held up and the final whistle.
A hard fought 17-14 win! A brilliant match, well done to all the boys!
Tries
Denbigh 2, Seal
Conversions
Blackburn