Eastbourne Golds 20 v East Grinstead 14

Eastbourne Golds hosted top of the league East Grinstead last weekend in a typically competitive fixture.

Eastbourne started well playing attractive rugby from the first whistle, something they have failed to do in recent fixtures. This early pressure led East Grinstead to make their first mistake, slicing a kick deep in their own half. The ball was gratefully collected by Chris Watts who off loaded to Gavin Davidson, allowing him to push over for the first try of the afternoon. This was then converted by Aaron Standing.

East Grinstead pressured straight from the restart and this was rewarded shortly after when they scored, making it 5-7. Just before half time Aaron Standing kicked a penalty to make the score 8-7.

Eastbourne made several changes at half time bringing on fresh legs. This paid off shortly after with Scott Dunster chipping the East Grinstead defence and Tom Wallis collecting and scoring Eastbourne’s second try under the posts. This was again converted by Aaron Standing who was having a good afternoon with the boot.

In typical East Grinstead fashion they refused to give up and continued to pressure the Eastbourne try line throughout the second half. This was rewarded when they caught Eastbourne napping and crashed over to make the scores 15-14.

The pressure was on, however Eastbourne responded by playing some of their best rugby of the season so far, both backs and forwards giving it their all. This play allowed scrum half Alan Sturrock to go over for the final score of the afternoon allowing Eastbourne to win 20-14. This eased the pressure and capped an outstanding performance from Eastbourne.

MOM was Dave Pratt.