Contrary to the gloomy skies that the team left earlier in Sussex, the weather in South East London was warm, and as sunny as the flamboyant French referee’s bright orange, head to foot ensemble!
Park House is never an easy place to visit and return with a win, as last season’s narrow loss testified. Once again, Park included several giants in their pack and started the match, intent on bullying the smaller visitors into submission.
As they bulldozed their way into the ‘Boro half, Crowborough gave away the first of what was to be a litany of penalties conceded by both sides. The kick was pulled to the left, but little did anyone playing or watching, realise the significance of this or subsequent kicks at goal. 0-0
The initial pressure was met with the impressive ‘Boro defensive line seen the previous week, continuing in the same vein, closing down attacks, and with double tackles, frustrating the home side , slowing down the ball and turning it over.
Crowborough had several opportunities to take the lead, only for second phase ball to be laboured; with passes delayed, or impossible gaps attempted, when there were one or two men overlaps available.
The best attempt came from an attack down the left flank led by Harry Marchesi supported by Will Pitman. Drawing the defence Marchesi released Pitman on the Park 22, with all on the touchline already applauding the inevitable score in the corner.
From seemingly nowhere the impressive #15 screamed across the pitch and with a text book tackle brought the move to a shuddering end. This also brought any further participation by Will Pitman to an end, with a badly bruised and swollen elbow, adding to the long list of players lining up for the physio table!
Park House once more camped in the ‘Boro 22, just 5 metres from the line, where the defensive line held firm through eight phases of play, before the frustrated home side’s attack transgressed, allowing Eddy Croft to relieve the pressure.
From the line out Park stole the ball and tapped to the #9 who slung out a pass that was taken by the #12 cutting an oblique line from right to left and through the line to break the deadlock. This time in an effort to adjust for the previous miss the kick was sliced wide.5-0.
Within minutes, another park attack broke down on the ‘Boro 22, where Henry Carter scooped up the errant ball and dodged through three half- hearted tackles , finding himself in the open with just 60 metres between him and the try line!
As he tired, Ed Croft appeared on his right shoulder and took the off-load, and with Pitmanesque rapidity, outstripped the cover defence to score under the posts, where he, importantly, converted his own score with half time imminent. 5-7
There was time for the kick off, where ‘Boro incredibly transgressed 22 metres out in front of the posts. In what would transpire to be yet another critical decision, Park decided to kick for touch rather than take the 3 points!
The lineout was lost and cleared into touch, and with it went the opportunity for Park to take the lead. 5-7HT
From the re-start, and with ‘Boro attacking into the Park 22, Park panicked and with two high tackles to rely on, Crowborough almost crossed the line only to knock on. Coming back for the penalty, the normally reliable Ed Croft pulled the kick to the left and Park were once more let off, with the game staying finely balanced at just 2 points.
To the partisan supporters of both side this was becoming something of a nail-biter, whilst for the impartial supporter it was enjoyably intriguing, with the outcome still in doubt.
Park had another opportunity at goal from the 10 metre line but the distance was too long and the kick missed, but from a 5 metre lineout minutes later, a peel and solid drive saw the home side once again take the lead although tellingly the kick was missed.10-7
The clock was running down, and with just minutes left Park naturally held onto the ball as best as they could playing deep in the ‘Boro half.
Crowborough maintained their patience until Park inevitably spilled the ball on their 10 metre line. Ed Croft whipped the ball to the left through the hands of Jared Hermann, and Bertie Boast to Sam Skinner. As the line approached Sean Bate arrived at pace to take the off-load and crash over in the corner. Fortunately, with the clock in the red, the kick was academic, and when it dropped short the game came to an end with Crowborough edging the match 10-12.
The result at a notoriously difficult place to win was gratefully received, but with 7 kicks missed in total, it shows how critical those decisions can be.
Next week at Steel Cross, Crowborough host Ashford RFC , whilst Crowborough RFC 2nd XV host Hove RFC 2nd XV , matches which will be preceded by the Past Players Lunch. KO’s 3:00pm