Eastbourne 12 v East Grinstead 27

Eastbourne Rugby Club’s Under 14 XV played their first Sussex ‘A’ league match away on Sunday 23 September against East Grinstead. Unbeaten in a competitive fixture since 2005/06, Eastbourne felt confident that they would be able to overcome the side they could only draw against in the County semi final in March. Back in March Eastbourne had been eliminated from the competition under the Sussex RFU rules due to home advantage.

Missing a few of last season’s regulars this was always going to be a hard encounter for Eastbourne given the strength of Grinstead’s large and well drilled pack. An established pattern of play soon began to emerge with Eastbourne pinned in their own half and with only scraps of possession to enable them to break the stranglehold. With one of those pieces of possession Eastbourne’s speedster, Will Bettles, nearly broke free and was only brought down by last ditch tackling.

Despite dogged resistance from Eastbourne’s forwards, epitomised by the fearless tackling of Chris Hibberd, pressure was always going to tell. After giving away a series of penalties, the Eastbourne defence was breached with a try on the left wing created by neat East Grinstead handling. With five minutes of the half left a further quick penalty led to a try by the opposition’s left wing after a run down the touchline.

With both conversions missed from wide out Eastbourne were now 10-0 down and looking forward to the sanctuary of half time. Only seconds of the half remained when the Eastbourne full back Scott Backler safely fielded a chip-through and, avoiding the on-rushing East Grinstead cover, succeeded in recycling the ball which Fly half Tom Biltcliffe in turn transferred to Jake Giles on the right wing. The winger switched on the afterburners to leave the East Grinstead defence trailing in his wake, touching down beneath the posts to leave an easy conversion and only a 3 point deficit, 7-10, at half time.

Playing with the slope in the second half the balance of the game began to turn. The Eastbourne forwards having held the opposition in the tight despite a weight disadvantage now began to win quick ruck ball with which to feed their talented three quarters. From one such move, Eastbourne chipped the ball through, re-gathered and swiftly passed out to Jake Giles who was again able to outpace the defence for a try near the right corner flag. Despite the missed conversion, Eastbourne now led 12-10 and the momentum was with them.

Their confidence now up, Eastbourne tried to run the ball out from behind their own 22  and lost possession. A high kick through put pressure on the defenders and when hesitancy led to lost possession behind their own line a Grinstead player was on hand to fall on the ball and score a try against the run of play.

Injuries also began to take their toll at this point and skipper James O’Donnell was the third player to have to retire following the loss of Will Bettles and Patrick Feist. The patched up team with players in unaccustomed positions and with less experience still fought hard but the tide turned again with Grinstead scoring another try against a disorganised defence before ramming home the advantage with a final score just before the end.

The 12-27 scoreline did not do justice to an Eastbourne side which had contributed enormously to a very competitive encounter. Particular mention should be made of Ben Saunders who at centre was faultless in defence and always threatening in attack. There will be games later on in the season when this team will play less well and come out as winners.

Anyone wishing to join this successful squad should speak to the Under 14’s Manager Paul Feist on 07971 579443.

Squad against East Grinstead:

Forwards - Sam Barrett, James O’Donnell (Capt.), Piers Newman, Charlie Di Lieito, Patrick Feist, Dan Bevan, Chris Hibberd, Daniel Woods, Jordan Smith, Jason Kearns

Backs - Andrew Chapman, Tom Biltcliffe, Ben Saunders, Callum Dunk, Will Bettles, Jake Giles, Scott Backler, Harry Wills, Philip Stone