Match Report by Rick Howe
Photo's by Drew Pratt
Our Referee today was Mr Alex Lambe and his two touch judges - James Robinson & Cameron Thomas.

Papa John Community Shield Semi-Final
Crowborough’s topsey turvey season continues for a further week, after winning this fiercely fought semi-final against a strong Falmouth side, whom, despite losing all of their league games during the year, had clearly endured the interminable journey from Cornwall determined to finish their season on a high.
Crowborough, having survived relegation, finished the season with six consecutive bonus point wins, and continued that form into this competition with two more, needing just one more win to contest the final at Saracens Stonex Stadium this Sunday, 7th May.
‘Boro were first on the score board after just five minutes when from a lineout on the Falmouth 10 metre line Hart slung out a long pass to Bertie Boast whose dummy to Rob Lester opened up the 10/12 channel for him to score a James Hart converted try.7-0
For those who thought this may be the precursor for a cricket score, Falmouth had other ideas. Within minutes the scoreboard read 7-7 following a driving maul deep on the left wing. Crowborough knew they were in for a contest, which that for the whole match remained at a difference of just one score.
Will Creasey continued his run of fine form with help from the rest of the pack which drove him over the line, following a series of pick and goes, for another James Hart converted try.14-7
For the impartial supporter, of whom there were many in the encouragingly large crowd, this was proving to be a great advert for the beleaguered game, although for partisan support on both sides it was to become something of a nail biter.
Andy Kidd who was carrying a quad muscle partial tear, from the encounter at Reading two weeks earlier, latched onto a pass on the left wing, and with the line begging, and support in short supply, the partial tear suddenly became complete and he crumpled to the ground, and had to leave the field to be replaced by Russell Reading.
Following a James Hart penalty, Falmouth came straight back, narrowing the gap to five points with another rolling maul but unconverted try, a margin that was not to increase despite a further eight scores! 17-12.
With half time approaching Falmouth levelled the score with yet another mauled try that went unconverted 17-17. James Hart added another penalty but Crowborough then went behind for the first time in the match when Ben Rosevear, the Falmouth #10 placed a pin point accurate cross kick to Dan Hubble on the right wing. The ball appeared to bounce forward off his chest before being recovered and touched down. The three officials had to confer to determine whether the ball had been knocked on but concurred that the try was legitimate. The conversion was successful and ‘Boro went into half time on the wrong side of a 20-24 score line.

The ‘Boro pack has been imperious for most of the season, and from a scrum Falmouth were driven over the line with Dave Bennett claiming the score which was converted by James Hart once more giving ‘Boro a tentative lead. 27-24
Both sides had employed the kicking game to gain territory and force the opposition to attack from deep. These kicks were of varying effectiveness but with time running out Falmouth hoisted a high kick to the left corner. The ‘Boro back three were caught off guard and allowed the ball to bounce. Possibly believing the ball would roll over the dead ball line two defenders stood and watched as it stopped rolling, allowing Falmouth’s Finn Deavin to dive on it to score an unconverted try once more edging into the lead. 27-29
The referee indicated six minutes to play. This was the time for match management, which has not been ‘Boro’s forte this season, but with all to play for they took the ball into the Falmouth half, and in doing so, took the danger of any penalties out of kicking range. With ‘Boro on a roll the pack once more got the nudge on in a scrum that saw Alex Bullock ,the Falmouth #2 shown a team yellow as they slewed around, with a penalty awarded to ‘Boro 5 metres out. The calculators came out!
Crowborough elected for the scrum. The decision was the right one as the Falmouth pack was driven over their line for another Dave Bennett try, but the seemingly easy conversion to take the margin to 5 points was pulled leaving the score at a tantalising 32-29.
Falmouth had no option but to go all out and play the remaining minutes in the ‘Boro half, with a hoped for penalty tying the game. However from a Falmouth lineout some 30 metres from the ‘Boro line Bennett rose above the visitors to snatch the ball, and tap down to Kieron Martin who with a keen eye on the clock ran the ball into touch to bring the game to an end.32-29
The large crowd remained to applaud both sides who had given their all and provided splendid entertainment. Although Falmouth had a long return journey on Saturday night their young team can take great comfort from their performance and that they have the basis for a strong solid side for next season. They will always be welcome at Steel Cross.
This Sunday (7th May ) Crowborough travel to the Stonex Stadium to face fellow league opponents Thanet Wanderers in the final , who beat High Wickham in the other semi-final. KO on Sunday is at 3:00pm.