Match report by Rick Howe
Our Referee today was David Harris from Sussex
Photos to follow by Denys Clarke

When these two sides last met in December, the outcome was a 24-24 draw. Before this match both side occupied the centre of the table in 7th and 8th places with just four points separating the sides, with ‘Boro on 45 and Beccs on 41.
Those in the executive boxes , who took their seats late after an excellent lunch, could have been forgiven for thinking the electronic score board was on the blink, as it showed the visitors leading by 0-5.
This was no aberration, as Beccs had taken advantage of quick possession at the KO, and attacked down the left while the ‘Boro defence was still in organising mode.
Crowborough are used to coming from behind, and a slick piece of interplay between Ed Croft and Will Pitman down the left tram lines saw the ball go into touch for a lineout. The throw sailed over the top being caught by a surprised Richard Tasker who turned and shielded the ball as he eased it to Tommy Dinnis.
Dummying as if to sling a long cut out pass, Dinnis popped the ball to Will Creasey. Although he still had 10 metres to the line, Creasey drove strongly with an increasing number of defenders, latching on but unable to bring him down, crossing the line to score a Jared Hermann converted try. 7-5
For several seasons , games between these two sides have often been close affairs, and the first half was to be no different as they traded scores.
First up was Harry Marchesi who finished off a move started by the Tasker/Creasey axis who released Jared Hermann. Hermann exploited a gap in the centre but was hauled to earth just short of the line but not before off-loading to the fast arriving Marchesi to score to the right of the posts . The kick was missed. 12-5
From the restart, an unnecessary and wayward relieving kick out of defence was fielded by the Beccs right wing who immediately moved it left for the full back and left wing to stretch the ‘Boro defence and score in the corner. The try was well converted to bring the score to an inevitably close 12-12.
In a game that was notable ,among other things , for the large number of penalties from both sides, ‘Boro were awarded one on the Beccs 22, which was put into touch. Dave Bennett sored and set up the drive, and with the defence bound in the drive came on. Dinnis called for the ball and popped the pass to Connor Hand to cross over and score to the left of the posts. Jared Hermann converting. 19-12.
With the half drawing to a close, an unnecessary out of the back of the hand ‘Boro pass went to ground before being collected by the Beccs centre ,who led his backs in a charge to the ‘Boro line for a converted try that brought the half time score to a close 19-17 HT
During the first half ‘Boro had come off second best in the close physical contests, and clearly the ‘Boro coaching team felt the need for more constructive aggression in the second half. Essentially this meant reverting to the recent well tried and tested game plan, that dominates up front, before playing simple expansive rugby and getting the ball out wide.
Once again the half time talk appeared to work, as ‘Boro were to dominate the next forty minutes with four tries without response.
With the forwards piling on the pressure deep in the visitors 22, Beccs gave away a penalty. Dave Bennett got his hands on the ball took a quick tap and sped over for the bonus point try, which Tommy Dinnis converted 26-17.
Not to be out done, Josh Jarivis was next on the scoresheet when Ed Croft , standing in at #9 when Tommy Dinnis took over the left wing when Will Pitman went off injured, missed out the limping Hermann straight to Harry Marchesi. Marchesi side stepped the cover defence and made ten metres before drawing the final defender and releasing Josh Jarvis to score out wide for an unconverted try 31-17
The ‘Boro pack were now monopolising possession as the large Beccs pack tired, and with a ruck set up five metres from the Beccs line, Ed Croft picked up at the base and crossed over before converting his own try.38-17
It was left to Will Creasey to knock in the final nail by finishing off a lineout move that had seen Dave Bennett catch and drive, before Creasey latched onto the ball to crash over, bringing the final score to a decisive 43-17.
This result puts 9 points between these two sides in 7th and 8th place with just two rounds left, with ‘Boro making the short trip to Heathfield next Saturday and the following week entertaining Cranbrook back at Steel Cross