Torrential conditions welcomed East Grinstead u14s at Worthing for their second league match of the season. With Midhurst unfortunately pulling out of the league, a win would secure top spot in the reduced pre-Christmas league…

Despite the poor weather the pitches were in great condition and the rain stopped just in time for kick off. An early penalty to East Grinstead and some strong running saw the boys put on early pressure in the Worthing half. Only a last-ditch tackle by Worthing could prevent Brodie McMullan scoring a first try after a strong run up the wing. A poor clearance from the resulting line-out gave possession back to East Grinstead and following some quick hands from the backs, Conor Sulllivan scored in the corner, conversion unsuccessful.

Worthing woke up from the restart and started to apply more pressure. Following a number of phases and penalties against East Grinstead for infringing in defence, Worthing broke through a stretched defence for a well-deserved try under the posts, converted with ease.

East Grinstead came straight back into the game, showing great skill and handling, eventually winning a penalty close to our try line. A well worked short pass to William Jolley with some strong support from the forwards allowed him to break through the Worthing defence for a try, unfortunately not converted.

The rest of the first half saw a number of penalties awarded to both sides, and despite some excellent work in attack and defence from East Grinstead, Worthing held firm. A determined first half ended 7-10 to East Grinstead.

Despite a yellow card early in the second half Worthing were unable to take advantage of their extra man. The next play saw the ball find its way to Johnny Denbigh who made a strong run through the Worthing defence, drawing in a number of defenders to allow Conor Sullivan to score his second try of the match, no conversion.

With improved rucking, better communication and some fantastic teamwork, East Grinstead began to dominate possession and following a number of short plays the ball was passed quickly left for Johnny Denbigh to sprint down the wing for the fourth try of the match, no conversion.

This strong offensive play continued resulting in another penalty to the try line. William Longstaff cleverly took a quick tap and passed to William Jolley who pushed over the line for a try directly below the posts, followed by an effortless conversion by William Blackburn.

As the match drew to a close some sensible heads wound down the clock absorbing any Worthing efforts and following a number of scrums, William Blackburn finally kicked it out, ending the game with a superb win for East Grinstead, 7 - 27.

A brilliant display from an improving u14s - they should be very proud of themselves! The win should see the team promoted to the top league after Christmas – it will be a challenge but we’re looking forward to testing ourselves against the best in Sussex!

Tries
Denbigh, Jolley 2, Sullivan 2

Conversions
Blackburn

Photo: Graham Keetley, Harlequine Photography