The Start we Wanted !!

The Match Report this week is by Graham Callard
Our Referee was Mr Richard Hanks

Crowborough returned to league action at Steel Cross on Saturday with Cranbrook being the visitors. After two solid pre-season games the expectations and confidence was high. On a superb pitch and under warm, late September sunshine the large support were not to be disappointed.
The game, as you would expect started frenetically with Cranbrook taking control of the early exchanges. Crowborough defended well but after just five minutes found themselves on the wrong end of the scoreboard with Cranbrook hooker Josh Pankhurst finishing off a well organised move. Luke Beaumont added the extras. On the ten minute mark Crowborough opened their account with an Ollie Clinch penalty from 30 metres out after a Cranbrook indiscretion at the ruck.
Slowly but surely Crowborough started to take control of the game with both possession and territory. Cranbrook now had to defend resolutely and with 15 minutes gone Crowborough were to go ahead with an excellent individual effort from Clinch. The ball was secured at the lineout with Sam Skinner at scrum-half freeing up Clinch on the burst. Quick dancing feet took him past several wannabe defenders with him putting the ball down under the posts. He also added the extra points taking the score to 10-7.
The game ebbed and flowed with both sides playing expansive rugby when the opportunity arose, but being pragmatic when that was the best option. The new tackle laws have improved the game, and not detracted from it. More offloads and plenty of dynamic running. Crowborough remained marginally the better side but Cranbrook were more than playing their part in keeping the crowd entertained.
The scoreboard remained idle until 35 minutes had passed. Another Cranbrook indiscretion at a ruck allowed Ollie Clinch to slot his second penalty. As the half time whistle approached Crowborough extended their lead when skipper Alex Purnell rounded off a solid team effort by crashing over for the try. Ollie Clinch again was assured with the boot leaving Cranbrook trailing by 20-7 at the break.
The second half started with Crowborough taking the initiative. The back row of Dave Bennett, Andy Kidd and Andy Orchard combining well, freeing up the Marchesi brothers, Sam and Harry, with Rob Lester and Tom Boddy always in support. With just over five minutes gone Cranbrook were down to 14 men after scrum-half Kasper Bottle was shown a yellow card. The ‘Borough took full advantage with Sam Skinner releasing Ollie Clinch following a powerful scrum, who in turn found Harry Marchesi coming at pace from distance to power over for the score. The conversion took the score to 27-7.
As the game moved forward so Crowborough took a tighter grip on proceedings. From a very well worked lineout move Andy Orchard latched onto the ball galloping 25 metres only to be brought down short of the line. The support was quickly on hand with Harry Slatter being the recipient of the final pass to touch down. With just ten minutes of the half gone and at 34-7 the game looked all but over, especially as Crowborough were now playing some really good, free flowing rugby.
It was to be Cranbrook who scored next however following a period of concerted effort by them. A Crowborough infringement allowed the visitors to get close to the ‘Borough line. From the ensuing lineout the catch and drive was turned into points again by Josh Pankhurst. Spurred on by this reversal Crowborough were again deep in the Cranbrook half with a scrum close to the line. A rarity in today’s game saw Crowborough take the ball against the head leaving Dave Bennett free to pick up and go over for the try. Ollie Clinch added the conversion making it 41-12.
Cranbrook were not going to lie down and simply accept defeat. With twenty minutes left on the clock they started to win more than their fair share of good ball and Crowborough now had to defend, and defend well. With about ten minutes left on the clock the referee, Richard Hanks, got clattered in an accidental collision and had to receive extensive treatment. Thankfully he was able to finish the game. The closing minutes were controlled by the visitors with young George Jones seeing yellow for Crowborough thus heaping more pressure on the home side. Exploiting the extra man Cranbrook trundled towards Crowborough’s line and under a mass of bodies were able to touch down for their third try of the game. Luke Beaumont added the conversion taking the final score to 41-19.
Crowborough will buoyed by the win and go into the next game against local rivals Heathfield & Waldron on Saturday 23rd September with a degree of confidence.