It was cold, damp and blustery as the team played our 4th league game of the season against Edenbridge on Cypress Field. The conditions had a major impact on the start of the game as both teams spilled a lot of ball. Edenbridge came out the blocks strongly and had the edge in both the scrum and rucks for the first quarter. The first quarter was well balanced and both teams improved the quality of the game.
With Cameron sustaining a early knock Freddie M came into the second row and Oli T slotted into centre. Who made great use of the space to make significant yards.
Just before half time Stan C finished of a great move and Tom converted. Both Stan and Tom had assured games and are clearly growing into these pivotal roles. The team playing with the wind got to half time with a 7-0 lead.
Now playing into the wind the team started to win the breakdowns and scrums and the backs were now attacking the gain line. Great credit must go to Jasper, Jack F and Sam T who had great games in the loose. We now witnessed some charging runs from Jack L and Bradley. This was reforced by Oli H and Sam W. But special mention must go to George who had another rampaging day that was rightly appluaded by the opposition after the game.
We now come to George’s moment of madness. After some great forward driving Ben W was released into space and delightful beat a couple of players and then fed George who powered beyond all the defence and look set for try glory only to dive full length over the 5m line!
This seemed to spur on the team as they continued to improve. Clearly the leaders on the pitch were starting to figure out how we could improve. Handling and support play came to the for and once again the team released George who scored a well deserved try. With Lucas and Ellis joining the pack Jack L then powered over for our third try which was converted by Tom.
The next passage of play saw a well organised Edenbridge team apply further pressure and some excellent defence work from Archie and an assured game from Freddie K at full back who also managed a great try saving tackle in the corner. Edenbridge then scored a well deserved try and to be fair should have got more out of the game than just the one score.
Ben B mad some great runs and strong tackles. Frankie L had a great 1st half a nearly scored twice.
Then in the last throws of the game the team recycled the ball well and a great run from Stan released Cameron who scored a great try.
Final score 24 - 5