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1st XV Results / Match Reports

2010/2011 New Season - Match Reports

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Season 2009/2010

Crowborough RFC 1^st XV 22 v’s Charlton Park RFC 1^st XV 10
There was not much to play for between these two well matched sides in this the last match of the season, except for pride. Having lost the first encounter at the beginning of the season by seven points, Crowborough were determined to use their recent return to form to reverse the previous result.
Following on from watching the second team gain promotion to the Sussex Intermediate League with an emphatic win over Ditchling, the first team match ran true to form, with both sides cancelling out any real potential attacks with superb defensive work from Botterman and Martyn.
Although Crowborough had the territorial advantage in the first quarter, they were unable to make this advantage pay. Indeed the first score went to Charlton Park after thirty –five minutes when , having absorbed a strong and consistent ‘Boro onslaught, led by Marshall and Caruthers, just before half time a kick wide was miss fielded into touch and the quick throw caught everyone flat footed, allowing the Park winger to catch and take the ball under the posts for a simply converted try 0-7.
With two minutes to half time most sides would have run down the clock and re-grouped at half time, but this more confident ‘Boro side took the ball from the kick off back into the Park half following a run from Marshall who was brought down short of the Park line. The ruck the ball was recycled to Martyn at the rear, and against a larger pack the ‘Boro eight drove over the line for Martyn to score and with Palmer converting brought the score to 7-7 at half time.
Within five minutes of the second half resuming, both side were reduced to thirteen men when the referee decided that two from either side required ten minutes to calm down. During this period, both sides added a penalty apiece 10-10.
This seemed to galvanise the ‘Boro side into action, and from a line out on the half way, Stapley held up the pass momentarily, while Logan cruised in from the left wing to take a sublime pop up pass and then side stepped two defenders before off-loading to Phil Price who scored out wide. The kick went unconverted. 15-10
Park were not going to roll over, and used whatever ball they had to attack the ‘Boro line. From an attack close to the ‘Boro line , the ball was spilled and cleared upfield. With the Park backs lining up to attack the final pass was intercepted by Price, who alluded the first tackle and although held by the second, was able to lob an overhead pass to Stapley, who was following up in support, to score in the corner. The kick by Palmer was successful bringing the final score to 22-10 , giving Crowborough a fifth place finish in the league.

Crowborough 54 – Hastings & Bexhill 5

Crowborough’s recent run of form continued with a resounding victory over Hastings & Bexhill in this rearranged league fixture. The contest was effectively over at half time with Crowborough taking a 40 – 0 lead following some imperious, flowing rugby. With just 2 minutes of the game gone Tom Burgess countered a missed touch kick from the visitors and found Gian-Carlo Leone in support. He in turn released Stephen Palmer to canter over under the posts. Emmerson Wood added the extra points.

On the 5 minute mark Palmer added his, and Crowborough’s second try. Leone added a third after just 10 minutes to take the score to 19 – 0. Both scores followed some outstanding handling between backs and forwards. Whether it was left or right a red shirt was in support and the visitors had no answer to the speed of passing and dynamic running from Crowborough; this epitomised by Matt Logan

It was 15 minutes into the game before the visitors put together any passage of play but this was short lived. Logan extended the home lead when he crashed over from 5 metres out. An excellent kick ahead by the outstanding Emmerson Wood set up the field position from where the score came. Crowborough added their fifth and sixth tries through Fred Bowles and Tom Carruthers. Both followed powerful runs from Nick Stapley who showed great awareness to find his time mates in support. With Wood’s conversions the score was 40 – 0 with just 30 minutes played.

The visitors continued to fail to make any impact as Crowborough played with confidence exuding from every member of the team. They should have added two further tries when a simple pass out wide was not made and the more complicated inside pass went astray. Perhaps over confidence may sum up these errors. Hastings & Bexhill intercepted one such wayward pass just before the break but this came to nought with the half closing at 40 – 0

Following the extensive rain in the week before the match an already heavy pitch had cut up badly during the first half. It was not surprising then that the tempo of the game, especially from the home side, slowed in the second. The half time break was used to galvanise the visitors with the home side perhaps becoming complacent.

The visitors came more into the game and only a poor pass out wide denied them of their best chance to score. This spurred them on and they found a degree of success by keeping the ball amongst the forwards. When their backs did get the ball the passing was good but Crowborough’s defence was outstanding.

It was 22 minutes into the 2^nd half before ‘Borough got back into their stride. Once again simple support play, dynamic passing and strong running enabled Palmer to be released for his hat-trick. With just 7 minutes of the game left Hastings & Bexhill still trying to play in a positive way lost the ball forward only for it to fall gratefully into the hands of ‘Borough’s Logan for his second try of the day.

On the stroke of full time the visitors secured the ball from a lineout and keeping the ball in the tight drove the home side back 40 metres before a melee of players fell over the line for a well deserved consolation score. The game closed 54 – 5.

Whilst their attacking play was outstanding the defensive qualities of the home side was exemplary. Emmerson Woods was imperious at scrum half and pivotal to ‘Borough’s performance with his goal kicking adding 14 points. Crowborough’s 1^st half performance was sublime and a repeat of this should put them in a great position to beat Charlton Park in the final league fixture of the season on Saturday (K.O. 3pm).

Horsham RFC 1^st XV 17 v’s Crowborough RFC 1^st XV 29 Stung by a 76-0 defeat the previous week, any visitor to Horsham was bound to feel the backlash, as the home side fought to regain some end of season pride.

Crowborough, have in recent weeks, clawed their way back into the top half of the table with several creditable displays of controlled rugby, and started this match standing toe to toe against a determined and large Horsham pack. Initial lineouts went the way of the home side, but the scrums against the head were disrupted by the ‘Boro eight and cleanly won on their own put in, giving Emerson time to put his backs away.

Although Horsham tried to test the resolve of the ‘Boro defence around the edges Brown, Botterman and Stapely put in some huge tackles that not only stopped the momentum but turned over the ball.

The first score came after several forays were held up short of the line, when from the half way line Stapley held up the pass fractionally before missing out Walters to Price, who took the ball at and angle and pace that made forty metres before he was brought down short of the line, with the spilled ball being hoofed into touch. From the line out the ball was knocked on, but ‘Boro won the scrum against the head, and again Price took the ball to within 5 metres, before Emerson fed to Walters on the charge, to crash over for the try that was converted by Emerson. 0-7

As so often happens, from the kick off Crowborough conceded three points for an offside decision. 3-7

Jon Carlo Leone was next on the score sheet, when he showed a keen backs awareness with an acute running line that finished off a move started, from the drop out to restart the game. ‘Boro snatched possession and Stapely sent Logan off on a 30 metre rampage before feeding Burgess who was providing support from the right wing. With the cover tracking across Leone arrived from lurking on the right wing, to cut an angle that wrong footed the cover defence to score under the posts for Emerson to convert. 3-14

As the second half started, Crowborough settled into a pattern, abandoning their conservative safety first approach, and unafraid to try different attacking ploys and ring the changes.
Emerson added three points when Horsham killed a promising Crowborough attack set up by a fast chasing Price who caught the Horsham full back in the open with little support and was accused of holding on. 3-17

A third try came from Marshall, who scored out wide on the left, when a planned backs move saw Walters switch and take the ball to within a few metres of the line only for an errant Horsham boot to send the ball back to the half way line , where Marshall, as a good #8 should, was providing counter attack cover. Collecting the ball he struck out directly at the last point of breakdown, ready to off load in the contact. With his deceptive pace that contact never materialised as he evaded four tackles before crossing the line. Emerson’s conversion attempt hit the post but refused to go over. 3-22

Marshall was soon on the score sheet again, when the pack , who should have scored from a series of pick and drives, needing one more go, inevitably knocked on and lost possession. Playing advantage the Horsham backs , with nothing to lose, launched an attack from their own goal line, and with the ‘Boro backs way out of position, allowed the attack to develop over the half way before both Price and Logan put in decisive tackles. Logan secured the ball and slung a huge pass out to Botterman on the right who fed Marshall on the Horsham 10 metre line. Having thrown all their backs into the previous attack Horsham were to slow to react to the attack on the other wing and with one defender to beat Marshall showed a clean pair of heels to cross the line and give Emerson and easy conversion to take the score to 3-29.

Crowborough, with their comfortable lead, and with the clock running down, were guilty of complacency and amnesia, when, with Horsham continuing to chase a lost cause as they had done in the away fixture earlier in the season when they came back from the dead to draw the match, put in a speculative punt up field. Clearly it was too long a kick, and with three Crowborough defenders shepherding the ball over the line Burgess was clearly seen to get a hand on the bobbling ball to touch it down.

The Horsham centre following up at speed, in a late attempt to get there first, then dived onto the bobbling ball as it continued to roll. Amazing almost everyone, the referee blew for a try that was then converted. 10-29.

Rather than forgetting it, Crowborough were still clearly aggrieved, and bemoaning the injustice of the decision, when they were again caught flat footed as an overlap appeared on the right, with the back line cover non-existent. The try was as inevitable as was the conversion that brought the match to a somewhat unsatisfactory conclusion. 17-29

This result leaves Crowborough in sixth position in the league with two matches to play. This Saturday Crowborough play the re-scheduled match against Hastings, cancelled earlier due to the snow.

Crowborough RFC 1^st XV 29 v’s Medway RFC 1^st XV 12

Crowborough’s improvement in recent weeks indicated that it would only be a matter of time before all the elements clicked into place and they could record a victory, that reflected the efforts of all the members of the squad, working together and for each other. It was Medway’s misfortune that that day arrived last Saturday.
With the weather closing in and showing puddles from the previous night’s rain, Crowborough were soon into their stride, when from forty metres out Emerson, adjusting well to the pace of the senior game, slung out a lateral pass to Stapley, who in a well rehearsed move, dummy switched with Logan before exploiting the huge gap he created. Sprinting 30 metres with price in support, Stapely drew the cover before slipping the ball to price to score under the posts for Emerson to convert. 7-0
In their previous encounter, ‘Boro were unable to secure consistent and quick ball, but last Saturday the ‘Boro pack was ruthless in driving the opposition off the ball and picking and driving through. With the Medway pack reeling backwards and the backs on the back foot, ‘Boro again used the clean ball to great effect to score a well orchestrated forwards try through Botterman.
Having moved the ball fully 30 metres by keeping it tight, ‘Boro were awarded a penalty 5 metres from the line. The quick penalty was snuffed out but then knocked on by Medway, and ‘Boro were awarded a scrum. From the scrum Marshall picked up but was held up just short of the line, but shielded for Botterman to pick up and crash over for the try, which went unconverted. 12-0
Crowborough were now clearly enjoying their expansive rugby and soon after a clear chance went begging, when, after all the hard work had been done and the overlap created, the final loose pass went behind Palmer with the line begging.
This in previous matches may have been a time for self recrimination, but such was the enthusiasm with which ‘Boro were playing this game, that they knew that another opportunity would soon present itself. As Medway cleared the ball upfield, Mc Donaugh was caught in possession, and the Medway back row secured the ball setting up their backs for what appeared to be a dangerous attack. However as the ball reached their centres Marshall streaked into the gap to take the interception and stroll the forty metres to the goal line for a third try converted by Emerson.19-0
This was a ‘Boro side that had been frustrated for so many of their matches this season losing several by less than seven points whilst giving the opposition severe concerns. However the ability to put the game out of sight when the opportunity presented itself was just not there.
Last Saturday ‘Boro put all that behind them, showing initiative and commitment, but moreover with a vision and a determination to carry it through. Until this point Crowborough had taken the initiative to Medway but had not had their defence tested, but with ten minutes of the half remaining Medway threw everything into attack and for fully five minutes were camped within five metres of the ‘Boro line, which held firm as time and time again the Medway pack tried to break down the ‘Boro resistance. As happens so many times it was the attacking side that transgressed allowing a grateful ‘Boro pack to relieve the pressure with a well drilled kick to the halfway line.
As the clock ticked down, Emerson had the opportunity from wide out to slot a penalty to take the half time score to 22—0.
Clearly stung by the first half Crowborough performance, Medway soon pulled back five points when their fly half lofted a long looping pass towards his wing. Burgess was tempted by the interception possibility, but could not get to it, leaving Medway with a two man overlap to score out wide for an unconverted try. 22-5
Unconcerned, Crowborough reverted back to the attack, and when awarded a penalty within kicking distance, ‘Boro opted for the kick to touch and a five metre lineout. The line out was won by Brown, and as he came down the whole ‘Boro eight formed around recycling the ball to the back and drove over the line for captain Botterman’s second score of the afternoon. The conversion seemed to stay in the air for an age before sliding over the bar to take the score to 29-5.
Medway were not finished yet, and from a scrum on the halfway line the ball was passed right, and with the referee blindsided, the knock on by the fly half was missed. Crowborough know better than to anticipate the whistle, and their hesitation was all that the Medway backs needed to round the cover and score out wide in the corner. The kick was superbly converted to take the score to 29-12.
The final ten minutes saw both sides with scoring opportunities but it was Crowborough who took the points on the day and with Horsham losing to Heathfield, it means Crowborough move one place above them to sixth, although Horsham have a game in hand and are Crowborough’s next opponents this weekend.

Whitstable RFC 1^st XV 0 v’s Crowborough RFC 1^st XV 51
Crowborough travelled to a perishingly cold north Kent coast on Saturday, for this London SE League 3 encounter. Buoyed by their three previous weeks performances, ‘Boro were determined to add two more points to their scant seasons total. With a brisk start ‘Boro were to keep the scoreboard ticking over at on average, a try every six minutes.
Much of the initial exchanges required soft hands and quick support, but instead saw ‘Boro firing passes out into the backs, that were received with an audible thud, such was the unnecessary power of the passes, with the inevitable result that the ball either had to be readjusted before shipping it on, or with fingers numbing by the minute, fumbled and dropped.
The game was some 20 minutes old, with ‘Boro already seventeen points up, before they realised that they were over complicating each phase, and that keeping it simple and letting the ball do the work out wide, would be more rewarding, than trying to run through a massed drift defence. Martyn started the scoring when from the kick off Logan latched onto a pass, and as he was wrestled to the ground he popped the ball up to Martyn in close support, who crashed over in the corner for the try which Emerson converted. 0-7
The ‘Boro pack appears to have developed a fine technique that allows them to dominate in the loose and drive bigger packs backwards. After a few initial encounters, ‘Boro found themselves some 40 metres out, and proceeded to pick and drive for fully 25 metres when almost inevitably the ball was knocked forward. From the Whitstable scrum ‘Boro exerted an eight man shove that drove the Whitstable pack backwards at such a speed, that the ball was at the feet of Marshall in an instant. Picking up, he dived at the line, but was held up just inches short. This was only to be a fleeting respite for the home side as Botterman stormed in to pick up and dive over the line for the second score. The strengthening wind was playing havoc with any conversion attempt and on this occasion the kick drifted wide. 0-12
Not to be out done the backs were next on the score sheet when a Whitstable move ended as they attempted a kick through that was charged down by Leone, who linked with Palmer and Logan before putting Price away to score in the corner for an unconverted try. 0-17
As halftime loomed, a score straight from the training pitch saw Price pick up his second try, when from a lineout Emerson slung out a long pass to Tyler, and with Walters providing the decoy run, passed to Burgess who broke the first line of defence to put Price into the clear out wide for a half time score of 0-22.
From the kick off, Marshall broke through the centre of the Whitstable pack, and with support from Palmer, and Martyn, passed inside to Walters who ghosted around the two remaining defenders to score out on the left. 0-27
This score appeared to break what residual resistance Whitstable may have had, and Logan, having by far his best game in several outings, was next to take advantage by satisfyingly rounding his opposite number on the outside for a well worked try, and then for Tyler to get into the act with the first of his two tries when Palmer a Logan combined to put him away under the posts for a converted try. 0-39
With forwards and back combining well, ‘Boro took the ball deep into the home sides half, and with the referee playing advantage Tyler went over in the corner but the ball was knocked on. The penalty was put into touch on the five metre line, and from the lineout, Martyn followed up his own throw, by peeling around the back, securing the tap down and with the pack driving him on, crossed the line for his second try of the afternoon. 0-44
To Whistables enduring credit they still attacked whenever they could secure any meaningful ball, but Martyn and Leone snuffed out any danger that their forward drives presented with some excellent tackling. When the Whitstable backs attacked in the final minute, they threw everyone into the line, in an attempt to salvage something from this match, and with a two man overlap, Tyler popped up in the centre to intercept the decisive pass, running half the length of the pitch to score under the posts unchallenged, for a final converted try to end the match at 0-51.
Tomorrow Crowborough welcome a much improving Hastings & Bexhill side that narrowly lost to Charlton Park last weekend.
Crowborough RFC 1^st XV 12 v’s Heathfield RFC 1^st XV 19
Crowborough welcomed league leaders and local derby rivals to Steel Cross last Saturday, with Heathfield aiming to complete the double, and ‘Boro, whose confidence has returned following two successive wins, determined to confound the predictions of yet another win for the leaders.
A week’s rain left it’s impact on the Crowborough pitch, and it was testimony to both sides that they not only attempted to play an open expansive game, but succeeded in their endeavour, providing some exciting entertainment for the large appreciative crowd.

Crowborough uncharacteristically were slow to start, handing the initiative to the opposition who maintained possession of the ball and drove into the ‘Boro pack before releasing their dangerous backs. For fully ten minutes Heathfield battered against a resolute and determined ‘Boro defence without turning the pressure into points.

The impasse was broken when Heathfield halted a ‘Boro backs movement and from their 22 cleared the ball 50 metres up field. The race for the ball was won by Heathfield whose support in numbers enabled them to pass inside to the full back arriving at speed to crash over for the first score under the posts, which amazingly went unconverted 0-5.

This was what Crowborough needed, to jolt them out of their lethargic start, and under the leadership of Botterman in the pack the forwards began to dominate the exchanges up front, denying any meaningful ball to their opponents and playing the game deep in the opposition half.

With Atkin and Stapley forming an excellent understanding at half back, they took the attacking ball flat, enabling the backs several penetrating runs. These   were well countered by some excellent tackling by the Heathfield centres, loose forwards, and the covering blind side winger, denying both Logan and Stapley as they were held up on the line.

Throwing everything into the mix to get onto the scoreboard, ‘Boro were in danger of leaving the cover vulnerable to the counter attack. Having absorbed the ‘Boro pressure, and against the run of play, a clearance kick was fielded by the ‘Boro defence, but rather that return it with interest, the two defenders started to run the ball out of defence straight into four Heathfield backs arriving at speed. If the break had worked ‘Boro would have had an excellent scoring opportunity. However the ball carrier was corralled and dispossessed, the ball slipping to the centre who crossed the line unchallenged. The simple kick was converted 0-12.

With Crowborough winning the territorial war it was essential that ‘Boro made the most of their possession and got on the scoreboard before half time, if they were not to be left with a mountain to climb in the second half. However Heathfield are masters at taking any half chances that are presented, and with the astonished crowd still questioning the accuracy of a pass, the full back broke through the line to score under the posts for another converted try bringing the half time score to 0-19.

It was always going to be a big “ask” to overhaul a 19 point deficit against any side, but even more so against the league leaders. However coach Oldham emphasised that the game could still be salvaged if they maintained the positive pressure they had shown in the first half and tidied up around the fringes. This, against all the odds, was to be the start of a remarkable turnaround that had both sets of supporters on tender hooks. When Crowborough are not trying to defend a narrow lead, but are chasing a score however distant, they really are quite ferocious and determined.

From the kick off Crwoborough waded into the Heathfield half and apart from the last five minutes of the match, never left it. Extraordinary pressure was exerted by the Crowborough pack who kept a tight control over the possession and with pick and drives forced the larger Heathfield pack deep into their own 22. By ignoring the backs option at this time, it kept the defence honest, allowing the ‘Boro pack three attempts to cross the line before eventually Cooper came up from the bottom of the maul to claim the try that Palmer converted to bring the score to 7-19.

From the restart, the pack provided quick ball to Atkin, and with Stapley taking the ball flat crossed the gain line time and time again, giving his forwards a target to focus on. With Walters coming off his wing into the centre berth it gave a new dimension to the game, and with ‘Boro attacking some 30 metres out Atkin fed Walters on the blind side, who, looking up chipped over the Heathfield defensive line that had been hovering on the off-side line all afternoon. The weighted chip took one bounce before sitting up for Burgess to latch on to it and dive over in the corner. The long conversion attempt from the mud out on the touchine fell agonisingly short 12-19.

In their last encounter before Christmas, Heathfield ran out winners by just 7 points, and with ten minutes to go of this match Crowborough were in the ascendancy, and again only 7 points short of tying the match.

Unfortunately there was to be no Welsh type revival, and as the whistle went for full time both side knew they had been in a match, that was appreciated by both sets of supporters.

This week Crowborough travel to Whitstable, intent on getting back to winning ways.

Crowborough RFC 1^st XV 21 v’s Folkestone RFC 1^st XV 19

This was the fifth match of the 2009/10 campaign to end with a final margin of less than six points . The only difference this time was that the result went Crowborough’s way, reversing the narrow away defeat on a wet and dreary day in November.

After their comprehensive win the previous week, Crowborough were uncharacteristically slow to start, and before they had fully settled they were seven points down when the right wing engineered an excellent try under the posts, aided by several half hearted tackle attempts.
Fortunately ‘Boro woke up at this point and soon had their own seven point response, when a well worked move enabled Walters to break through the defence and put Stapley away, before straightening the line to give Logan space to go for the line. Unfortunately the cover got across just in time to hold up the ball. This however, was to be a temporary respite, as the’Boro pack led by Botterman poured in, and with a swift pick and drive Botterman crashed over for the try that was well converted by Emmerson. 7-7
Crowborough are starting to learn that the simple things, done well, will win out every time. In the second quarter ‘Boro showed what they could do when, from a line out won by Gordon, Emmerson quickly fed Atkin, whose looping pass found Palmer, albeit, on the second bounce. As the cover came across he slipped the ball inside to Logan who once more made ground before he was held up just short of the line. From the ensuing scrum 15 metres out Botterman picked up sucking in the fringing defence. Quick ball to Atkin , saw him break and throw a cut out pass to Stapley. As Stapley straighten the line once more Walters had the space and the luxury of the overlap to take the off load and score in the corner for a well taken try, that was superbly converted from the right touchline by Emmerson to take the score to 14-7.
With Crowborough in the ascendancy a stray and offside Folkestone boot, fly hacked a good potential attacking ball, back deep into the ‘Boro half, that was fielded but judged to be knocked on. Crowborough won the opposition put in, and Atkin earned a penalty when he cleared up field but then was taken out late and high. From the touch kick ‘Boro won the line out, and with simple passing and intelligent running lines, ‘Boro attacked the Folkstone defence but were held up on the Folkestone 10 metre line. The ball was first secured by Gordon, who broke through the covering defence before finding Walters on his outside. The break was made, and with Logan and Martyn in support, it fell to Martyn to sprint the final twenty metres to score under the posts, giving Emmerson the easiest conversion of the afternoon to bring an end to the half at 21-7.
The Folkestone coach must have had severe words with his under performing side at half time, as they came at ‘Boro from the whistle , and aided by ‘Boro indiscipline were awarded several penalties , each of which were quickly tapped. Unable to stem the flow, the inside centre went over under the posts to bring the score to 21-14.
Stung by this start to the half, ‘Boro were soon back on top, taking the ball back into the Folkestone 22, and with an overlap wide out on the right the sure score went begging as the pass was dropped. From the scrum, ‘Boro again won ball against the head, and when Atkin was high tackled Emmerson had the opportunity to make Folkestone score twice. Unfortunately this was to be his first miss in two outings leaving the score at 21-14.
The final score went to Folkestone with ten minutes of the match remaining, when a Folkestone scrum, deep in the ‘Boro 22, crabbed right for the #9 to pick up and feed the flanker who only have to fall over to score. The conversion was missed 21-19
The final 10 minutes was a replay of nail biting emotions, often seen by the Crowborough faithful throughout this season, with Folkestone pushing for the penalty or drop goal that would seal victory, and Crowborough determined not to make the mistake that would hand them that opportunity. With Palmer’s final clearance kick into touch the referee blew for full time with the score at 21-19.
Next week Crowborough host league leaders Heathfirld in a local derby postponed from January, and a large healthy crowd is expected, followed by the England v’s Ireland international at 4:00pm.
Crowborough always welcome new players of all standards, and if you would like to find out more, please call 1^st team captain Matt Botterman on 07816 161861.
Old Gravesendians 13 Crowborough RFC 1^st XV 47
CROWBOROUGH finally got the win that has eluded them since before Christmas with a convincing 47-13 victory away to Old Gravesendians. It was a bitterly cold day with a biting wind coming off the river, but the final scoreline did much to warm Crowborough supporters’ hearts. With regular captain Matt Botterman consigned to substitute duties to rest an ankle injury, Matt Logan took over initially until last season’s captain, Ben Martyn, came off the bench to take over as on field skipper.
Phil Price in the centre was Crowborough’s stand-out player in the backs.
Showing good pace, he chose incisive lines of running to bag a try in each half. Debutant Emerson Wood had a fine game at scrum-half and kept the scoreboard ticking over with some fine place kicking.
In the forwards, Tim Gordon showed much of his old form with some barnstorming runs.
Old Gravesendians stuck to their task well and were rewarded with a try in the second half. Despite the high score, Crowborough never really clicked and wasted a lot of good opportunities.
Coach Nick Oldham pointed out that it takes a good side to play badly and still win, but he will be expecting much more precision in the forthcoming weeks.
Director of rugby Colin Forster said: “The team has promised much in recent weeks but kept coming up short, hopefully this victory will give the lads the confidence to finish off their opponents and close games out.”

East Grinstead 25 – Crowborough 12

It cannot be argued that the better side won, and that the margin of the victory reflected the balance of play. Equally it cannot be argued that Crowborough played extremely well both in defence and attack and had such a solid performance been evident in previous weeks Crowborough’s win loss ratio would be much better.

The opening 10 minutes were dominated by the visitors and their simple catch and drive, dynamic back play and positive support play consistently drove East Grinstead backwards. The excellent Andy Walters nearly scored on the 10 minute mark after a kick ahead where he was unlucky to be beaten to the ball by the Grinstead full back.

The hosts shook off their obvious lethargy and started to put some good passages of play together. Their bigger pack secured good ball for the backs but all too often this was too slow for the home back line to exploit. On the 20 minute mark East Grinstead did break the deadlock with quick interpassing in support, and outstanding speed over the ground. This took them within 5 metres of Crowborough’s try line. Crowborough resolutely defended 2 scrums but on the 3^rd occasion the inevitable happened with the home No8 picking up and going over for the try.

Shortly afterwards the home No8 showed his class with a break from the half way line and only a brave tackle from Dave McDonagh prevented the 2^nd try. The ball was made available with East Grinstead support players arriving in force and the centre picking up for a score wide out. The No8 almost immediately made another break but this time poor home handling meant a 3^rd try was not forthcoming.

With 30 minutes gone East Grinstead did get their 3^rd try after some slick handling by the backs. Again McDonagh was brave in defence but again the home side were quicker to the ball. The half closed 15 -0.

Straight from the kick off Grinstead drove deep into the Crowborough half. The ball was passed well but even after two more passages of play the hosts could not break ‘Borough’s powerful defence. At an ensuing scrum however the omnipresent Grinstead No8 picked up and drove over. The lead was extended after 50 minutes when a simple catch and drive at a lineout was rewarded with a try for the home side.

Despite losing skipper Bottoman through injury, and McDonagh playing almost on one leg due to injury ‘Borough showed their metal. Playing off scraps their played with a positive attitude and every time the ball became available the passing became slicker, the commitment more dynamic and the desire not to be humiliated overwhelming. Mat Logan epitomised this attitude with a great break but Phil Price and Walters weren’t on the same wavelength so the final pass went astray.

Eventually Crowborough were rewarded for their efforts with a well deserved try from Tim Gordon. Down to 14 due to a yellow card the hosts couldn’t resist the visitors drive and Gordon went over from 2 metres out. On 75 minutes Crowborough suffered another injury with Nick Stapely taking a serious hit to the ribs and him having to be helped from the field. Despite this set back Crowborough held their heads high and another determined break by Price resulted in Mike Silve going in under the posts. A Keith Brooker conversion meant the final score was 25 -12.

Crowborough RFC 1^st XV 18 v’s Brighton RFC 1^st XV 22 Second placed Brighton arrived at Steel Cross last weekend buoyed by their previous weeks comprehensive defeat of league leaders Heathfield. Crowborough, on a run of defeats, needed a decent performance to restore both pride and confidence and provide a sound base for the rest of the season.

In recent weeks ‘Boro had shown some real positives in both forwards and backs, but as a fifteen it just simply was not gelling. Coach Oldham’s decision was to call up the much improving Stapley into the #10 slot, allowing Atkin to return to his favoured #9 jersey. The kicking option was retained with Tyler returning to full back, and with Palmer replacing the absent Burgess the backs changes were complete. In the pack Botterman reverted to #8, with the current unavailability of Mulherbe, giving him more freedom to use his explosive pace. Brighton are a huge side, and the forwards are well drilled in offloading and close support play, but in the initial encounters, ‘Boro easily snuffed out these threats. Moreover by keeping the ball tight, ‘Boro proceeded to drive the ball up field making the Brighton defence turn and ultimately illegally infringe in an attempt to halt the move. From the penalty some 30 metres out, Tyler secured the first three points of the match. 3-0
However Brighton, were not going to abandon their game plan, and soon were deep in the Crowborough half, when and offload, to the deceptively mobile prop, saw him dummy the defence then exploit the gap, to sprint twenty five metres to score between the posts for an easy conversion. 3-7
In previous weeks this would have signalled the abandonment of the agreed game plan, as heads would slump and individuals took it upon themselves to redress the balance. This time there was no panic, indeed the pack took on their opposite numbers and in the loose drove the larger Brigton pack, towards their own line. The pack released controlled ball to Atkin whose flat ball to Stapely, enabled him to release his centres before taking the inevitable contact. Taking their cue from Stapley, the rest of the backs continued the moves with crisp passing and direct running lines, all of which put the Brighton backs on the back foot. With twenty minutes gone, following another Brighton infringement Stapley took a quick tap penalty and avoiding four separate attempts to tackle him drew the fifth, putting Price clear. As the cover came across he drew the defence before offloading to Waghorn and as Waghorn was tackled he passed to the supporting Ben Martyn who crashed over to score in the corner. Tyler’s kick from out wide agonisingly hit the upright to leave the score at 8-7.
Brighton had two more opportunities to go ahead through penalties in front of the posts, but amazingly missed both chances. Stapely relishing the supply of good clean ball rang the changes with breaks, chips and wide ranging kicks to his wings, which although marginally short kept the defence guessing and honest. In a repeat of their first try Crowborough went further ahead when Stapley took a flat pass from Atkin, and in an instant dummied, and slid through the gap before finding Logan out on his left, who drew his man before passing to flanker Leone to cross unopposed deep on the left. This time Tyler had the measure and slotted the extra two points. 15-7
With half time approaching , Crowborough put together perhaps their best running of the half, when Walters came in from the blind taking the ball off Atkin at speed, broke the line before passing to Stapley. Stapley looked up and seeing a mis-match, missed centres Price and Logan, and fed Waghorn out wide, who with the cover coming quickly across, cut inside only for an errant arm to catch him high on the head for an obvious penalty some 35 metres out on the left. Tyler lined the ball up and having kicked a conversion shortly before from the same spot had no difficulty in taking the three points as the whistle went for half time. 18-7
Like a hive of angry wasps, Brighton swarmed all over their hosts from the restart, and it was to Crowborough’s credit that they kept their shape and composure. Although ‘Boro absorbed this initial onslaught it was Brighton who were next on the score board through a well taken forwards try following a break by the Brighton backs stemmed by two crunching tackles by Palmer and Stapley. From the resulting scrum the Brighton #7 picked up and crashed over for a well taken try, but the conversion was missed. 18-12
Brighton’s first try scorer was almost back on the score sheet, when the prop, belying his size, again made a superb break, and with the ‘Boro backs all in the line preparing for an attack, it was left to Logan to track back to put in a try saving tackle short of the line resulting in a five metre scrum to ‘Boro for a knock on. The ball came back on the Crowborough side, but with Brighton exerting an eight man shove, the control at the back meant that the ball was fumbled over the line, and in the confusion the lively Brighton #7 got a hand to it to record the score that was converted to allow Brighton to take the lead with precious few minutes left in the match.18-19

As in previous close matches, when all‘Boro needed was to prevent a score against them, and to snatch a drop goal or penalty in the dying seconds, clearly the match needed to be played deep in the opposition half. However Crowborough failed to break out or put the ball deep, and when they were accused of holding on to the ball in the loose just short of their own 22 line, the three points was a foregone conclusion. 18-22
This meant that a try was the only option to win, and although the team tried to work the ball upfield , it was Brighton who cleared into touch to bring this exciting game to a halt. 18-22 Coach Oldham’s inspired selection succeeded today, and now he has several options as the depth of the squad improves as players come back from injury. More importantly this match will have given the side a huge amount of confidence to take into the re-arranged match away to East Grinstead next week and then Old Gravesendians the week after.

Park House RFC 1^st XV 29 v’s Crowborough RFC 1^st XV 13

With 4 minutes of injury time to play Crowborough fought back to reduce the deficit to just 2 points at 15-13. What happened next was quite extraordinary.

Crowborough started this match the more lively of the two sides, with their pack in particular dominating their opposite numbers both in the tight and loose phases of play. However having won clean ball the advantage was negated when ball carrier after ball carrier, took the ball back into contact, rather than seeking the offload to supporting players.

However in spite of this, it was ‘Boro who on several occasions in the first quarter had the better opportunity to open the scoring, but as they approached the try line either a knock on, or handling infringement came to the Park rescue relieving the pressure on the struggling defence.

The ‘Boro backs had had little to do during these initial skirmishes, and any ball they did have was kicked away, straight to the grateful Park three quarters who then began to show where their team’s real strength lay, by putting in several dangerous attacks that exposed the alignment weaknesses in the ‘Boro defence.

Park had the opportunity to put points on the board as ‘Boro infringed in front of their posts twice in quick succession, only for the kicks to go wide, but the encouragement that the Park backs had got from their initial forays into the ‘Boro half were soon to pay off, when the ‘Boro alignment was again exposed and some clever running off the ball, found the gap that allowed the overlap to be created. With the ‘Boro back row trapped unnecessarily in the ruck that was already lost, the extra cover was absent as the wing crashed over for the first score. The try was unconverted. Five minutes later the score was 10-0 as the move was repeated with a similar result.

With Park gaining confidence, another attack was intercepted by Burgess on his own 22, who travelled fully 50 metres before being brought down close to the park 22. With the ‘Boro support in attendance Park killed the ball, and Tyler slotted the kick to give the score line some respectability. 10-3

With half time approaching, the ‘Boro pack again drove their heavier but less disciplined opposition back towards their line, and as the maul collapsed the referee awarded another penalty which Tyler converted to bring the half to a halt at 10-6, but not before Walters had been binned for ten minutes and Atkin with a badly bruised back sustained moments earlier, replaced by #8 Marshall.

The second half started disastrously as the Park backs again exposed the defensive weakness of the reorganising 14 man ‘Boro side, and with the overlap put the right wing over for their third try which again went unconverted. 15-6

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