Storm Amy came and went. The Steel Cross pitches were a testament to the hard work over the summer months by the dedicated ground staff, allowing two games of fast flowing rugby , with not a puddle of standing water in site.
Still , with 10 squad players unavailable through injury, it was heart-warming to see, that for the first time in several seasons, that Crowborough were able to select three sides all due to played on the hallowed turf. Sadly due to Ditchling’s cancellation the 3rd XV will need to wait another week for their season to start.

In their last two outings, Crowborough had come off second best as they leaked tries, through their back division that was slow to close down the space making defensive tackles, at best a lottery.
The clear difference this week was that this deficiency had been addressed, with a quick, flat defensive line, catching man and ball with two up tackles slowing the ball; allowing the tacklers to quickly get back on their feet to provide continuous cover, and further frustrating the attack.
Although the pack also had suffered from availability, those slotting in, did so seamlessly, with the front five proving problematic for the visitors ,whilst the back row made continual nuisances of themselves in both defence and attack.
With the balance of the side set, it was just three minutes into the game when Harry Marchesi finished off a six pass move, that saw Will Pitman brought down just inches from the line only for the fast supporting Marchesi to seize the ball and leap over the melee to score. The kick was missed. 5-0
Park, were not fazed by this set back, and proceeded to contest the 50-50 balls, and attacked their hosts, only to find an impenetrable wall of defenders.

Fifteen minutes in ‘Boro had a lineout on the Park 22. With Harry Slatter, (on his return) taking the ball, the drive came on. The initial shove moved the maul, and then as the momentum continued the maul crabbed across the field closer to the posts, and as the line was crossed it was Sam Edwards who came up with the collective score, which Jared Hermann converted.12-0
With ‘Boro now on a roll, the next score was straight off the training ground as , Harry Marchesi fielded a long clearance kick and proceeded to slip two attempted tackles off-loading to Sean Bate. Sam Skinner anxious to get in on the act stormed into the line to take the pass, and as the fifteen metre line was squeezed, Will Pitman cut an exquisite inside line, to take the switch pass and cross over for another Jared Hermann converted try. 19-0
Park, would not be denied and kept the score line honest with a push over try deep in the left corner following a spate of ‘Boro indiscipline that was punished by three penalties then the score.19-5

Ed Croft at #9, was having an excellent afternoon, which only got better when, from a Park scrum on the Park 10 metre line, the attempted clearance was charged down by Croft who then chased his charge down, scooped up the errant ball and dotted the ball over the line. With Jared Hermann carrying an injury, Ed Croft stepped in to convert his own score. 26-5.
Crowborough were soon down to 14 men as Joe Chapman was shown yellow for a dangerous tackle, but this did little to stop the ‘Boro momentum as Will Pitman collected his second try, which was unconverted. 31-5, (HT)
The Versatile, Errol Munoz, who was this week featuring in the front row, was the next to feel the officials ire, shown yellow for a high tackle, taking ‘Boro down to 13 men!
It was not to surprising that the thirteen men would fail to keep the Park attack at bay, and soon #10 Sam Spriddell , slid through the inevitable gap to score. 31-10
Jared Hermann was replaced by Bertie Boast, and as Crowborough were returned to 15 players so Harry Slatter was shown yellow for playing the #9. This allowed park to add another unconverted score through Spriddell, which would prove to be their last effort of the afternoon. 31-15
The final fifteen minutes saw first Will Pitman clinch his hat trick when Marchesi, who was about to be taken out as the pass arrived, cleverly tap pass to Pitman, who put on the after burner to score in the corner.36-15.
Richard Tasker ensured that the pack was not forgotten, picking up a Croft converted try, before the Pitman/ Croft axis finished off the match with his 4th try. 50-15

MOM: was awarded to Ed Croft for his all round control and performance.
This result moves ‘Boro into 5th place with three round gone, with a visit to the impressively performing Park House, next up.
The Crowborough 2nd XV played a fast moving and competitive game against Burgess Hill 1st XV coming a close second in an 8 point loss at 24 -32