The Crow's Dominate down at Lewes.......

Match Report this week is by Graham Callard.

Crowborough First XV, go into the Christmas break with an eight point lead at the top of the table after a 40-0 victory over Sussex rivals Lewes last Saturday. On a day with bitingly cold winds and persistent rain it was not surprising the large and vociferous crowd had to endure long periods of static rugby thankfully lit up by some moments of scintillating brilliance.
Crowborough’s forwards were again the catalyst for success and unlike recent weeks the Steel Cross men started on the front foot. Gary Stevens made an excellent break before offloading with Harry Slatter and Connor Hand taking the ball deep into Lewes half. From the ensuing passages of play Crowborough were awarded a scrum. After three attempts to get over the line the referee’s patience wore thin and he awarded a penalty try, 0 – 7. The game was then fairly even for long periods. Both sides trying to play but in the conditions mistakes were many and some of the kicking wasteful and unnecessary. Crowborough were the better side making more ground and when necessary defending resolutely. The Lewes centre was the pick of their side but sadly too often the players around him let him down.
Late into the half Crowborough were now clearly on top and it was again the scrum that proved the decisive weapon. This time it was the excellent Harrison Chapman, a late call up to the starting XV, who fell on the ball for the score. Connor Hand added the conversion. It was Connor Hand who drove his Crowborough side deep into the Lewes half, this time with a beautifully placed kick. From the ensuing lineout the ball found its way back to Connor Hand who ghosted through the Lewes defence, sidestepping the full back for a brilliant solo try. Converting his own score and the half closed at 21-0 to the visitors.
With the weather getting even colder and the rain more intense the game was not a classic; too many mistakes, too many stoppages and little ambition. Injuries to both sides made the game even more stop start. Crowborough were dominating territory if not possession. The home side try as they may couldn’t breakdown Crowborough’s defence so it was no surprise when Crowborough extended their lead through a powerful Will Creasy run to take the score to 26-0 and the try bonus point in the bag.
Lewes had to resort to kicking to get ‘Borough’s defence turning and chasing back. It backfired spectacularly when one such kick ahead landed in the grateful arms of Gary Stevens who saw an opportunity and powered through the gap for a long range run to the try line and a fine solo effort. Connor Hand added the extra points. Gary Stevens almost got another following a hack ahead. It was only the quick thinking of the Lewes full back and clever use of the wet conditions to slide in ahead of Gary Stevens to prevent the try.
Despite the conditions and Crowborough’s dominance Lewes continued to try and play open rugby. This in turn opened the game up for the visitors who now started to get the ball wider, especially when counter-attacking. Young Harry Marchesi set up a number of great opportunities fielding the high ball and quickly freeing up space for others to exploit. As the final whistle approached Harry Marchesi again set up Gary Stevens who saw the Lewes defence part like the Red Sea. He broke free and made a good 60 meters for a tremendous try. With the conversion the final score ended 0-40 to ‘Borough.
Both sides sprinted for the warmth of the changing rooms and a few weeks off before returning on Jan 5th when Crowborough host Pulborough Kick off at Steel Cross will be at 14.00pm.
This has been a very success first part of the season for all the `senior` sides at Crowborough, with all three team pushing for promotion in their respective league.
Everyone at CRFC wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year.