The first Sunday in March saw the u14s host their first A-league match against Hove. Not having played each other since Junior festivals, East Grinstead began their first top league match with some nervousness.

In a game full of end-to-end action, the East Grinstead boys worked hard and proved to everyone why they are in the top league. A strong start from Hove saw two early tries scored, leaving East Grinstead ten points down, however an organised East Grinstead worked hard and slowly ground down the Hove defence. A converted Conor Sullivan try and well worked team try by William Jolley put East Grinstead back in front. Johnny Denbigh finished the half with one of his storming runs for another try in the corner. 17-10 at halftime.

An early second-half try from William Blackburn put East Grinstead 12 points ahead, however Hove had different ideas. Some strong running and rucking from the Hove team pressured East Grinstead into a number of infractions until the referee’s patience ran out – a penalty try to Hove. The momentum with them, Hove continued to batter the East Grinstead try line until the defence finally caved and another try for the visitors. All square.

An incredible final ten minutes saw East Grinstead turn things around – pressurising Hove in defence and working well together in attack. A strong run and chip through from William Blackburn gained ground and after a few rucks on the Hove try-line he was in the right place to barrel over for his second try. From the kick off more strong work from the pack eventually forced Hove into conceding a penalty. A quick tap from William Blackburn saw him run through a weakening defence for his hat-trick.

A great win in the top-league. Congratulations to all the u14s!

Tries
Blackburn 3, Denbigh, Jolley, Sullivan

Conversions
Blackburn 2