Crowborough welcomed Old Alleynians to Steel Cross last Saturday for the first home fixture since mid- December. With the first team pitch free at last from standing water, the previous night’s severe frost forced the game to the newly drained reserve pitch.
Coach, Richard Siggs has probably the smallest squad in the League to select from, and injuries and non-availability further reduced his options for this match.
In their last encounter, OA’s narrowly won 13-3 and ‘Boro started this match determined to reverse the result.
This was to be a full team performance, not one that relied on a single standout individual, but a solid workmanlike afternoon at the office for all 18.
From the opening whistle the ‘Boro forwards drove deep into OA territory contesting every 50:50 ball and setting up quality possession for Ben Searle who either made a thorough nuisance of himself sniping around the edges of the scrum or releasing his backs at speed.
With 9 minutes gone OA’s were trapped off-side and Chris Yates slotted the three points.3-0
Ten minutes later with ‘Boro on the attack some 30 metres out, the ‘Boro pack provided quick ball to Searle but the ball slipped, in the act of passing, and took a single bounce before reaching Chris Yates. With the momentum gone, a quick glance was all that it took for the drop goal to be sent on its way to bisect the uprights.6-0
‘Boro’s continued attacks were determined and boundless, whilst their previously porous defence , proved to be both solid and resolute giving OA’s little space or time in which to operate.
After 25 minutes an expansive ‘Boro attack, set up by an initial break by Ali Mains, provided the space for Harry Sansbury to exploit, and with Tom Boddy in support the move was agonisingly halted three metres from the OA line. With Ben Searle in attendance he quickly popped up the ball to the fast arriving Sean Derrick who dived over for the score that went unconverted.11-0
As the half drew to a close, OA’s seeing that they were getting nowhere by moving the ball wide, allowed their pack to take the initiative , and from a line out deep in the ‘Boro 22, a well organised catch and drive, saw OA’s get on the board with a try that went unconverted. HT 11-5
The second half was a fascinating battle that OA’s edged with a second try after 25 minutes on the left touchline, following a series of forward pick and drives that sucked in too many defenders leaving the left wing with the simplest of chances. The kick was missed. 11-10
The final 15 minutes was a touch fraught for the Crowborough faithful, but a chance to go further ahead from a delightful cross kick by Chris Yates for Harry Sansbury was thwarted by a defensive fingertip, but ‘Boro went on to hold out for a crucial win. 11-10.
The next two weeks sees ‘Boro face the top two runaway sides in the League, when hopefully ‘Boro may be able to call upon those returning from injury to bolster the side.