G's v Seaford

In a thrilling encounter between East Grinstead and Seaford, the pitch became a battleground for fierce competition, showcasing skill, determination, and sportsmanship.

The game kicked off with an unexpected turn as Seaford arrived with only 13 players, prompting East Grinstead to match the numbers, dropping a number 8 and winger. The day was also a special occasion for East Grinstead as the team welcomed up two girls from the U18 team for their first women’s match and it’s safe to say they both rose to the occasion and performed exceptionally well - Well done Libby and Comfort!

From the outset, East Grinstead's dominance in the scrums was palpable, enabling them to assert control and methodically advance up the field. Eight minutes in, a display of exceptional teamwork and precise passing, saw Wallis racing down the wing to secure East Grinstead's first try of the match.

Maintaining their momentum, East Grinstead continued their relentless pressure, with strong carries from Salmon, O’Donoghue and Sutton threatening Seaford's defense. Muggeridge's attempt at a try was defied by Seaford's resolute defense, but a subsequent scrum saw Lewis (N) bulldoze through defenders to notch another try for East Grinstead.

Refusing to be outdone, Seaford showcased their resilience as they manouevred adeptly in the backfield. Their agile winger managed a spectacular breakaway, evading tackles to score a crucial try under the posts, followed by a successful conversion.

Undeterred, East Grinstead swiftly thought back, leveraging their scrum superiority to set up Greenslade for their third try of the half, establishing a firm lead. However, after a relentless 5 minutes on East Grinstead’s try line with the possession flirting between both teams, Seaford's determination paid off with a cohesive team effort try, closing the gap before halftime.

As the first half concluded, East Grinstead held a commanding position, showcasing their prowess in both attack and defence. After the break, Seaford's numbers dwindled further, with injuries reducing their squad to 12 players while East Grinstead remained at 13 to maximise playing time for their 19-strong squad.

The second half witnessed East Grinstead's unwavering strength as they secured two more tries courtesy of Wallis and Greenslade. Nevertheless, Seaford continued to battle valiantly, but unfortunate injuries saw them reduced to just 10 players, prompting a request to conclude the game at the 55-minute mark, with the score standing at 34-14 in favour of East Grinstead earning them the win.

However, the spirit of the game prevailed as both teams engaged in a friendly 10's match to maximize the remaining time. Seaford, despite the setbacks, displayed their resilience by notching several tries, showcasing their determination.

Massive congratulations to the women on another excellent performance across the whole team! Roll on 2024.