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Match Reports 2010/11 Season

Sunday 3rd October - League - Away.

Uckfield U18’s 0 v Crowborough U18’s 29

The conditions for rugby were pretty dire having had constant heavy rain for several days. Having said that the Uckfield pitch was in pretty good condition despite the weather. Uckfield had a squad of about 20 with most of their players U17’s, Crowborough had all their players out, fifteen, with only one U18. Boro’ received the kick off and from the start showed a marked improvement on this phase of play when compared to their last game. The ball was collected well and driven back into the Uckfield pack forcing them backwards then, in what was to be the style of the match, Boro’ moved the ball quickly away from the forwards and through the hands out to the wing. After about five minutes of strong defence by a determined Uckfield pack Shaw picked up the ball and throwing off several tackles sprinted through to score. The next part of the game was a mirror image of the first session, Uckfield working the ball in their forwards but Boro’ overpowering them and spinning the ball wide. The second try for Crowborough was built from strong forward play with Kent making one of his many typical bullocking runs, Shaw was again in close support taking the ball and running in for his second try. He followed this up by making the conversion. The game continued in pouring rain with Crowborough showing great handling skills despite the conditions. The back three under the guidance of Davies and fed by the tenacious Gutsell/Slatter centre partnership continued to probe the Uckfield defence. Half time saw no change to the score and Uckfield came out firing on all cylinders after the break. They had clearly been instructed to play a forward rucking and mauling game and whilst they worked hard and stuck to the task Boro’ were just too strong. It was clear Uckfield were not sure what to do next, having used kicking as a tactic in the first half, which failed, their forward ploy was not working either. It didn’t take long for the pacey Boro’ backs, Fisher, Mitchell and Nicoll to show how fast and strong they were. The ball moved through the hands and with constant support from the forwards Nicoll burst through to score, Davies made the conversion from out near the touch line. It wasn’t long before the back three finished off another power play by the forwards with Nicoll scoring his second try. Uckfield continued to with concentrated forward play but the Crowborough pack were more than their equally, stifling every attack. Through their hard work Sparrow was able yet again to set the backs free with Slatter breaking tackles only to be pulled up just short of the line. Gutsell as always in close support picked up the ball and scored. In the last five minutes Uckfield made one more huge effort to get onto the score board with continuous pick and go drives on Boro’s try line but Crowborough’s pack were just as determined not to let them in and succeeded in doing so. The final whistle from a superb and entertaining referee, Hugh Jenkins, ended the game with a fine 29 to nil win for Crowborough.

Squad: Harry Lacey; David Holder; Michael Ball; Tom Kent; Alasdair Phillips; George Shaw (Man of the Match 2T 1C); Samuel Hart; Ashley Ludgate; David Sparrow; Michael Davies (Captain 1C); Andy Gutsell (1T); Harry Slatter; Tom Mitchell; Laurence Fisher; Charlie Nicoll (2T).

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Hellstorm (Seaford/Hellingly) Colts 27 v Crowborough Colts 67 – 26th Sept 2010.

CRFC went down to Seaford for a friendly match against Hellstorm after some weeks of concern over numbers available to play. It was on the basis that CRFC may have ten or less and Hellstorm would help by making the sides even. To the delight of the coach fourteen Crowborough Colts turned up on a bright and breezy day and because this it was agreed the match would be fourteen aside with Hellstorm allowed rolling substitutes to ensure their players had maximum playing time. The referee was a Seaford player who had recently undertaken a referee course and whilst home from University for the weekend offered to take this on as his first game.

From the off it was obvious that Crowborough had the better backs and Hellstorm’s strength was with their forwards. Crowborough quickly showed the flair of the backs although the first try was finished by the individual power of Tom Kent. The game continue with Crowborough applying pressure Davies demonstrated his silky skills dummying and drifting through the opposition to produce a fine try following it with his second conversion. A couple of minutes later Crowborough scored again through Ludgate who in supporting the pack showed great strength to force his way over. Hellstorm picked up the ball from the restart and raced through poor defence to make their first score. They very quickly followed this up with forward power scoring again but on both occasions failing to convert the extra points. Crowborough finished the first half with three more tries one each for the two wings Fisher and Mitchell both demonstrating how effective their rapid pace and change of direction could be and the final one through Sparrow dummying and sidestepping his way to the line. The first half ended with Crowborough 36 to 10.

The second half was much more even with Hellstorm using the strength of their forwards to grind their way up the pitch and score. Crowborough were spurred on by this with Fisher scoring another try finishing of a fine passing move starting from the creative captain Davies. The next try was the best of the match with the ball passing through the hard working centres, Gutsell and Slatter out to the full back Nicoll who then supported by Fisher with a superb inter-passing manoeuvre raced through the defence to score. Sparrow followed this up with his trade mark sidestep running in his second try. Fisher ran in his third try again showing a real burst of speed and Mitchell followed up a well directed cross field kick from Davies who ended up with his sixth conversion. Unfortunately Ball picked up a yellow card for retaliation and Boro’ were down to thirteen. Hellstorm were not finished again using an effective rolling maul with the Boro’ forwards battling hard being worked back down the field. Ball returned to the fray but Crowborough quickly lost Holder and Kent to injury giving Hellstorm an advantage of two which they took full advantage of running in their final try.

All in all Crowborough played very well with great tackling and superb movement of the ball culminating in many fine tries. With his superb finishing Fisher was named as man of the match.

CRFC Team: Harry Lacey; David Holder; Michael Ball; Tom Kent (1T); Alasdair Phillips; Ashley Ludgate (1T); Samuel Hart; David Sparrow (2T); Michael Davies (1T, 6C); Tom Mitchell (2T); Andy Gutsell; Harry Slatter; Laurence Fisher (3T); Charlie Nicoll (1T).

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This season, (2010/2011) we are very keen that someone within your age group writes a match report, after every match. With this in mind we have devised a simple template for you to complete. Please see below:

Junior Match Report Template Crowbourgh Colts ? Vs ?

Date: Sunday ?/?/?

Score: ?/?

Trys scored: ?

Conversions: ?

Penalties: ?

Drop goals: ?

Man of the match: ?

Other players that stood out: ?

1st Half Performance: ?

2nd Half Performance: ?

Any-other points/mentions/comments: Examples: This was there 5th win in a row.much improved on the same fixture last year.Weather conditionsA player who represnce the county?

Officials: Ref and Linesmen if known

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Season 2009/2010

Sunday 31st January 2010 - Bognor - Away- League

Bognor 3, Crowborough 5
Crowborough Colts travelled to Bognor for a bottom of the league clash, a match that both sides needed to win to climb the table. Crowborough arrived with 15 players and no subs, not ideal, Bognor had a full compliment of 22 available players.

The first half was a torrid affair for Crowborough, going behind with a successful Bognor penalty. The Crowborough forwards were lethargic and lacked inspiration whilst the backs had little opportunity to create. Crowborough spent most of the half defending in their own half. Finally collecting a kick in their our own 22 Harry Slatter ran out of defence moving the ball on successfully and after some determined passing and running collected the ball again to score under the posts. The conversion was charged down leaving the half time score at 3 points to 5.
In the second half the tables were turned and Crowborough at last began to make progress spending long periods in the Bognor half . Crowborough played much better and were able to exert plenty of pressure with at least two charge downs within the Bognor 22 by Ludgate and Webster. Neither side was able to break the other and their was no more score for either team.
Crowborough came away with the all important win.

Crowborough's Man of the Match was awarded to Davis Sparrow for doggedly battling behind a pack offering little protection.

Simon Reed

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Sunday 24th January 2010 - Brighton - Away - League

Brighton 24, Crowborough 8

Well done to the whole squad (16) players who all contributed to an excellent performance against the League leaders Brighton. Crowborough battled hard giving very little away and it was a true test of the teams character, to finish strongly in the face of Brighton substitutions. Crowborough were starved of possession but more than made up for that with aggressive rucking and mauling, in fact the Brighton pack became frustrated with a solid powerfully display of forward play by the Crowborough 8. The Brighton backs were hesitant at 10 giving Crowborough the opportunity to really get in the faces of the opposition in mid field. Brighton were dangerous when given space and their scores came from aggressive running wide around the Crowborough flanks, this strategy did not work all the time thanks to Crowborough man of the match Harry Slatter playing his first match at full back and saving at least two certain trys. Crowborough Colts have nothing to fear and if the spirit of this game can be maintained then they should move up the league table over the next few games.

On a negative note we are still missing some players who NEED to be training and playing

A very fair and balanced summary. Despite Brighton having both a size and weight advantage in the forwards, our guys weren't intimidated and kept going although there clearly were some very tired and sore bodies in the final quarter. It was a really gutsy performance, with a scoreline that possibly flattered the winners.

Cheers, Paddy

Simon Reed

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Sunday 22nd November 2009 - Home

Another solid performance by the team and a well deserved victory.

Crowborough Colts 23, Pulborough Colts 16 (League Match)

Congratulations to you all, you really had to dig deep in the second half when the Pulborough forwards put on the power, fantastic concentration and effort by you all to
keep in front and get the victory. I think Pulborough had at least 5 subs and were able to bring on fresh legs, we kept them out with great determination.
Once again every member of the team made an excellent contribution, well done especially to Michael Davis who kept a clean kicking sheet with 2 conversions and 3 penalties (although a little more height on the kicks would have been good) it was so important for the victory to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
Two excellent tries by Andy and Alex and a huge effort by the forwards in the second half to drive the Pulborough forwards back from our line, just when they were looking dominant, combined with some excellent running and handling from the backs.
It really was a pleasure to watch, particularly with the conditions underfoot, and to really bring the smile to all of the spectators what a fantastic rainbow.
Once again a very difficult decision for man of the match, it goes to bigslatts, well done Harry Slatter for a great performance (for the second week on the wing).

On a general note, I think we should all congratulate the club on the quality of the pitches, certainly in my 10 years at Crowborough I have never seen the pitches so good after so much rain.

Once again well done to you all.

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Sunday 15th November 2009 - Home

Crowborough Colts 17, Crawley Colts 17 (Friendly)

Well Done to all the players for an excellent performance.

A few things need to be kept in mind when accessing this performance.Fifteen minutes before Kick off we only had 11 players, and ended up with 14 players for the whole game. Crawley sportingly only played with 14 players in the first half, but decided to excise there right to play 15 in the second half as after all they were losing at the break !So for the whole of the second half we were one player down and for some of the, half two players down ( many thanks to Ian Geering for not only running the line but bringing this to the attention of the Referee and getting the difference in players back to one).Two of our players, Tom and Michael had taken part in the Sussex Training game in the morning and it was a great effort on their part to come and get involved in this match.We had a number of players playing out of position one of which, Charlie Nicholl earned himself Crowborough Man of the Match.Congratulations Charlie on a fantastic performance. I have checked the League results and although Crawley are in the B league they are undefeated with maximum bonus points so we can be very proud of our performance.A few other notable performances, Oliver for a couple of try saving tackles, Antoine for tying up so many of the Crawley players and hindering their distribution in the mauls.Tom, Michael and Andy for our three well worked tries, which everyone seem to have a hand in.And Finally - Well Done Conor for taking on the Captaincy at short notice and doing an Excellent Job.

From the touch line this was without doubt your best performance of the season so far and a lot of encouraging team work and inter play. Let’s take this forward to next weekends league Fixture against Pulborough.

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11th October 2009 - Away

Hove 34, Crowborough 0 (League)

A disappointing result, a shame we left it until the final 15min before starting to really play. Hove had a big well drilled pack which we were unable to control so starved of the ball we found it was always going to be a struggle. In addition with picked up lots of injuries and at one point had 3 or 4 forwards playing in the backs, not ideal.

MAN OF THE MATCH was Antoine Reed, Great performance - congratulations to him

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11th October 2009

Hove v Crowborough KO 2.00pm meet 11.30am at the club or 1.00pm at Hove see address below

I will not say too much about the game last Sunday as this is an open forum for all to see. We discussed the detail after the game and again at training last night. Fundamentally I think we all agree the first half performance was very disappointing and we let ourselves down. We should have won.

There are two messages I want to emphasise:
1) we must improve communication on the pitch so you all know what is meant to happen.
2) we need as near full attendance at training as possible.

Last night we had ten! Of a potential 26 or so players 3 were ill, 6 injured, 1 working, 1 unavailable, 2 no transport the other 5 or 6 no message. Illness and injury cannot be helped nor can the occasional transport, work or other problem but we do need the numbers and commitment to the squad.

Do ensure you let one of the coaches or Simon know if you are unable to attend, we assume you are all available unless you say so. This is for matches and training which for those of you who are still not sure is on TUESDAY night.
The team sheet is now on the website, we have tried to take account of injury so if your name is not on the sheet do not just assume you will not be playing. Please confirm to Simon or me if you are available or not, also please tell us if you are travelling direct to Hove or will be meeting with us at CRFC, if so do you need transport or do you have space available for someone else.

The meet time is 10:30 am at CRFC clubhouse we will be leaving at 10:45am. Those travelling direct please ensure you are at Hove by 12 noon ready to warm up. Do take Simon and my mobile numbers with you in case you have a problem on route or cannot find Hove’s ground.

Their address is The Recreation Ground, Shirley Drive, Hove BN3 6QP
Finally we have an under 17’s cup match away at Bognor on the 18 October we need as many under 17’s and U16’s training next Tuesday as possible. Please encourage all under 16’s you know to be there. For any Under 18’s who would like an adult game on Saturday the 17 October talk to me and I will advise if I think you should play and try to ensure you have a game.

Yours in rugby,

Gavin Ross

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4th October 2009 - Home

Crowborough 15 - Horsham 24 ( League)

Half time - Boro' 0 - Horsham 19

Man of the Match - Laurence Fisher - Fantastic performance, Well Done !

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27th September 2009 - Home

Crowborough 24 Chichester 19 (Friendly)

Another solid performance by the whole squad against `A` league opposition. Two wins and one defeat. Excellent start and first half, we did however let Chichester back into the game in the second half. So as always still plenty to work on in training. We have genuine pace on the wings so lets get quick ball and make use of them giving them space and support.

MAN OF THE MATCH - Michael Davis, Congratulations to him !

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21st September 2009 - Friendly - Home

WIN IS A WIN !

Crowborough 8 Hastings 5

Well done to the squad a victory in our first home game. Good to see Andy and Harry in attendance even though they were injured.

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