A tight game which could have gone either way ......

Crowborough's season got off to a losing start last Saturday when they took on Thanet Wanderers in the RFU Intermediate Cup. Most objective observers would say the Steel Cross men were the better side for much of the game, but couldn't finish off all the chances that presented themselves on the day. Thanet on the other hand took full advantage of theirs.
The men in red and white started well with backs and forwards looking to play positive open rugby and making good yardage with ball in hand. It was ten minutes before Thanet made any progress with a forward pass thwarting the attack. A few minutes later it was 'Boro who wasted the opportunity to score when skipper Sean Derrick dropped the ball over the line after an excellent drive from a lineout.
Much against the run of play Thanet Wanderers took the lead when their big number 3 powered over from 5 metres out following a lineout deep in Crowborough's half. Buoyed by the try the visitors started to exert some serious pressure on the home defensive line. The blue shirted centre in particular made two telling breaks crashing through several would be tacklers.
With minutes to go before the half time break Thanet were again on the attack. This time they were halted by some strong tackling and an excellent defensive steal by Andrew Orchard that saw the ball break loose into the hands of Ian Page-Mitchell. Galloping 50 metres beating three defenders in the process Page -Mitchell brought the scores level at 5 - 5.
Two further pieces of inventive play could have taken 'Boro out of sight at the break. The first when Tom Boddy, having taken a inch perfect cross kick was brought down within a metre of the line. The second was when Gary Stevens was also brought down short after a magnificent break and solo run.
The home side started the second much as the first; positively with lots of possession and territory. For long periods they were much the better side but failed to finish moves off. Many of the errors were due to Thanet's outstanding defence. The deadlock was finally broken when a concerted period of play ending up wide out in the hands of Sean Derrick. This time he finished the move off and with Chris Yates converting from the touch line Boro were ahead by 12 - 5.
One thing that epitomises Thanet Wanderers is their 'its not over until its over' attitude. They again started to put some good passages of play together and now it was Crowborough's turn to defend. Finally with just 8 minutes remaining Thanet outwitted the Steel Cross men with a deft cross kick which was recovered by the lively outside half who went over in the corner. Another excellent touchline conversion brought the sides level again.
With the clock ticking down Thanet infringed allowing Chris Yates to convert the penalty. Boro now looked on track for the win. The men in blue had other ideas and with a minute left on the clock they drove the ball deep into the Boro half. At the ensuing lineout Thanet's prop forward powered over for the decisive score.
Full time 15 - 19
Whilst the result was disappointing Crowborough have plenty of good things to build from. The backs looked sharp and the forwards support play was very good. New boys Ian Page-Mitchell, Gary Stevens and scrum half Ben Searle were prominent throughout.
Crowborough face Beckenham away next week in the league with an earlier than advertised Kick-off, of 14.00pm.
The Team – 1), Richard Tasker. 2), Rob Horsfall-Turner. 3), Damien Hayes. 4), Harry Slatter. 5), Nick Hill. 6), Andy Orchard. 7), Sean Derrick (Captain). 8), Tom Kent. 9), Ben Searle. 11), Ian Page-Mitchell. 12), Ali Main. 13), Gary Stevens. 14), Tom Boddy. 15), Harry Sansbury.
The Bench 16), Mark Rosier, 17), Ben Martyn 18), Dom Williams & 19), Phil Price.