From the opening whistle, there was only going to be one winner, “Storm Bert”.
The morning’s rain, and gale force wind would prove to be a great leveller, favouring the visitors close forward play, whilst penalising the fleet footed enterprising ‘Boro backs who would become bogged down in the slippery mud.
Bromley adapted to the conditions the better, and would be rewarded after 10 minutes when the pack drove into the ‘Boro 22, and with a controlled maul crossed the goal line for what would remarkably be the sole converted try of the whole match. 0-7
Crowborough were not to be downhearted at these turn of events, but with the slippery ball making handling difficult, they joined the visitors in a period of kick tennis, kicking for position and the hope of a fielding error. Sadly ‘Boro’s attempts were generally too low and too short, providing the Bromley back three with cheap attacking ball, whilst the long Bromley efforts had ‘Boro turning to regroup.
Defensively both sides gave no quarter, and the normally slick ‘Boro backs were just not able to break through and make their quality tell.
Bromley did have the edge, and could have put the game out of sight with two attacks down the flanks. Firstly the left wing managed to gain space and with the line at his mercy, hesitated enough for the cover defence to cross and hold the ball up. Moments later Jared Hermann covering the back field, attempted a clearance on his own 22, but the trajectory was too low and was charged down by the flanker. Chasing the rebounding ball towards the try line, the flanker attempted a pick up at speed and agonisingly for the visitors knocked on, and the opportunity was lost.
After continual pressure in the ‘Boro half with little more to show for it, Bromley paid the hosts the ultimate compliment of taking a penalty some 20 metres out, after a defensive transgression, taking the three points and bringing the half to an end. 0-10
The second half started in ever increasing stygian darkness, that would have given a roost of bats a hard time navigating their way around the pitch! After 65 minutes, the official in the middle felt that contested scrums posed a significant danger and ordered the packs to go to the uncontested format.
It was not too surprising that quality running rugby was not to be the order of the day during the second half of this contest, which was to be limited to just two Bromley penalties to bring the game to an end at 0-16
This result moves Bromley into 2nd place keeping Crowborough in fifth place, but with just 9 points separating 5th and Beccahamians in 9th there will be no complacency, as the first half of the season approaches its end.
In West Sussex, Crowborough 2nd XV were hosted by Crawley RFC 2nd XV, with the visitors running out clear winners 45-12.