Match Report by Rick Howe
Photo's by Denys Clarke
Our Referee was Ben Roome.

Until four hours before kick off this game was in doubt, as 24 hours earlier the notorious Wealden clay was still showing large areas of the pitch still under water.
Indeed, not only did this game go ahead, but with over 50 players available, the club was able to field three sides for the first time since Covid 19, with the 2nd XV travelling to Hove; and the 3rd XV, occupying another of the pitches that had also been under threat, welcoming Burgess Hill 2nd XV .
In their earlier fixture in October 2025, Crowborough made heavy weather of a 10-12 last minute victory at Park House, and could have been forgiven for expecting a similar confrontation, especially after last weeks embarrassing loss at Charlton Park.
The previous week Crowborough were perhaps guilty of over confidence, and although nothing less than five points from this match would suffice, it was clear from the kick off that the necessary focused attitude had clearly been addressed at this weeks rain curtailed training sessions.
Park started in their familiar fashion using their large pack to bludgeon their way forward, before releasing their backs keeping ‘Boro on the back foot. But unlike last week where defenders simply fell off the tackles, this week they were all made to count, and double tackles on the bigger forwards saw the lighter Errol Munoz, simply ripping the ball away to set up counter attacks.
After 12 minutes there was no score, but ‘Boro were starting to put together several telling moves, and it appeared to the large crowd that it was just a matter of time.
From a ruck Sam Marchesi broke right, feeding Andrew Kidd on the charge, and as he was held up Richard Tasker took the off-load, adding to his growing season of tries as he crossed the line to score. Jared Hermann added the two points. 7-0
Within minutes the home side doubled the score when Ed Croft released Sean Bate in his own half, and with the ‘Boro back division seemingly comfortable in inter-changing positions, Will Pitman cut inside Gus Weir to take the pass, and with all but Will Pitman expecting the ball to be passed to Weir on the wing, Pitman stepped right, slipped the ball to Ed Croft who sprinted to score between the posts for another Jared Hermann converted try. 14-0
Crowborough were now playing the simple rugby that works! The aimless kicks of previous weeks were curtailed, the support running lines were well thought out, and forwards and backs were co-ordinated with a joint purpose.
Next on the score sheet was Will Creasey, who was the recipient of a strong forward drive that went fully 15 metres before Creasey took the pass at pace, to sprint the remaining two metres to score! Jared Hermann once more converted 21-0
From the kick off Andrew Kidd took the kick and in a departure from his normal charge, committed two of the defence before off-loading to the impressive Sean Bate, to exploit the resulting gap. The outcome deserved better but the scramble defence saw the move halted and the ball turned over.
Park moved into the ‘Boro 22 and for five minutes pick and drove at the ‘Boro defence that simply refused to yield. With the clock running down and the Park pack visibly tiring after their efforts, the ball inexplicably popped out on the left of the ruck, with the Park backs all lining up to their left in anticipation of a final attack.
Sam Marchesi pounced on the ball and as he was pulled to the ground managed to get the pass away to Will Pitman on his own 5 metre line.
Looking up all he saw was some 95 metres of turf. As he crossed his own 22, the contest to the line was already over, for the fourth bonus point try, and bringing the half time score to 26-0. HT
The second half was a touch scrappy with the visitors doing all they legally could to disrupt Crowborough possession, and frustrate the home side.
The first score of the half was scored by man of the march Andrew Kidd which Jared Herman converted, before Park exploited the extra man with an unconverted try, out wide on the right, after Harry Slatter was shown a yellow card for holding on.33-5
Josh Jarvis must have thought he was on the score sheet after he made a tremendous break down the right but brought down inches from the line. With the forwards arriving the ball was recycled with the pack driving forward pulling in the defence. As Ed Croft indicated for his back to attack the right, Park responded accordingly, allowing the “Marchesi Show” to score with Sam breaking left feeding brother Harry on the burst to score another Jared Hermann converted try 40-5
With Harry Slatter still on the sideline, he was soon joined when “Mild Mannered Munoz” was shown a team yellow and within minutes Crowborough were down to 12 men when Sam Bennett was shown yellow for a high tackle.
It was therefore no surprise that with a diminished pack that Park were able to conjure up an excellent final score. 40-12
This result gave Boro the necessary 5 points they needed to put space between them and 9th placed Cranbrook and to keep in touch with 7th placed Beccahamians .
Points from the next two matches are essential which will be held over the next four weeks against Ashford away 14th Feb, and Deal at home on 28th Feb, when Crowborough will be anxious to reverse the previous results.
At Hove Crowborough 2nd XV acquitted themselves well holding the home side to six points until the final minutes, before going down 28-17 .
Crowborough 3rd XV came out on top with a fine 36-10 win over Burgess Hill 2nd XV.