Round nine already. Under leaden skies, and in bitterly cold weather that was so foul that even brass monkeys feared to venture out, winless Crowborough welcomed league leaders Old Alleynians to Steel Cross for what could be yet another difficult afternoon at the office.
Throughout this campaign, the “faithful” have stuck firmly behind their team, believing that their losing bonus point run would eventually come to an end with a win, and with that, a return of that elusive and essential confidence.
Crowborough elected to play with the gale force wind at their backs, but it was the visitors who seemed to adapt best to the conditions as they quickly racked up 10 points through a simple penalty and then a well taken try that passed through eight pairs of hands. 0-10
Although ‘Boro pulled back a token 3 points, OA’s were soon crossing the whitewash once more, and after Dave Bennett saw yellow, ‘Boro cleared the ball down to their own 10 metre line that was fielded by the OA’s full back. Evading two first up tackles, he off-loaded to the winger who crossed over for the converted try, putting comfortable space between the sides as half time arrived.3-17 HT
The hoped for lull in the gale, failed to materialise, neither did the tiring of the OA’s pack. Within five minutes of the restart, OA’s took their score to 3-22 with a rolling maul that would kill off the resistance of lesser sides, but with Ollie Clinch coming off the bench after his ankle injury, play advanced into the OA’s 22, where in quick succession, The Referee dished out two yellow cards, one to Andy Orchard not to be outdone !
From the scrum Andy Kidd, taking advantage of the numbers, picked up at the base to cross over for the unconverted score. 8-22.

Tom Burgess was then red carded much to the astonishment of almost everyone at the ground, not least the recipient of the alleged high tackle. This could have taken the momentum out of the home side, but appeared to have the opposite effect, as Ollie Clinch crossed over the line, after a number of pick and drive's and converted his own try taking ‘Boro once more into their familiar position of losing bonus point territory with 15 minutes remaining. 15-22
OA’s had other ideas as they added a long range penalty to stretch the gap to 10 points, before the visitors were rocked by Andy Kidd’s second try, although now with Ollie Clinch off the field with his other ankle , the kick was pulled.22-25
This score brought out the yellow card once more for yet another OA infringement that galvanised ‘Boro for one final effort. The pack took the fight to OA’s threatening their line with several pick and drives that were initially stemmed, albeit illegally. With the penalty only giving the home side the draw, ‘Boro took advantage of their superior numbers, and from the brave quick penalty they sucked in the defence before releasing the backs. With just two passes, Connor Hand was given the space to evade the scrambling cover, to cross over in the corner for the fourth bonus point try, and more importantly their fully deserved first win of the season.27-25
In spite of the plethora of cards brandished during the afternoon, this game was played and generally officiated in the best traditions of the game.
This win pushed OA’s into second place, but did not alter the dynamics at the foot of the table with ‘Boro remaining in 10th position with 14 pts, as they prepare for their second consecutive home fixture against 8th placed Thanet Wanderers this Saturday 4th Dec KO 2:00pm, before finishing off 2021 with fixtures against 3rd placed Old Colfeians and 1st placed Gravesend.