Easstbourne 1st XV vs Holbrook

Eastbourne made the 50 minutes trip up the A23 to face Holbrook RFC. Having recently demolished Newick 72-0, Director of rugby Mal Chumney had prepared his squad for what he was sure would be a very different encounter against a large and physical Holbrook XV.

Eastbourne were to be without front row technician Matt Webb and centre Nick King with the return of Rob Jameson and Steve Clarke respectively.

Under clear blues sky's with very little wind the conditions which were perfect for Eastbourne to play their own style of expansive flowing rugby, although Holbrook had other ideas.

Early encounters at the break down proved that Holbrook were paying no attention to Eastbourne's previous score card and were determined to take the early minutes to Bourne.

The first fifteen minutes were a very physical encounter and equally balanced between the two sides with Eastbourne looking more creative on their ball and being more prepared to run the ball rather than their opposition who seemed content with kicking away their possession. Strong running lines between Eastbourne centres King and Clarke allowed fly half tenant to almost reach the try line only to be held up by a committed Holbrook defence. Eastbourne having 3 opportunities to cross the try line in the first half, only to be frustrated by poor handling. The half time score was honours even 0-0. The sloping pitch offered no advantage to either side but the half time team talk from Chumney about relaxing and trusting their own game play was going to pay dividends.
The second half started as equally as the first, then a great passage of play put Eastbourne through with Joe Tobin going over the line, only for the referee deciding that the ball was held up and a 5 meter scrum was awarded to Bourne. With clean ball won and slick handling from captain Atkienhead (9) feeding fly half Tenant who drew two Holbrook players before passing to Luke Sage that made no mistake in taken his opportunity out wide in the far corner,Tenant converted and Eastbourne opened the scoring,

A quick substitution saw Mottram off and Chris Chilvers on as the Holbrook fitness gave early signs of weakening. With 15 minutes of equal open play Tom Redman made a fantastic break gaining over 30 meters before passing to James Coulthard who switched play magnificently with Stephan Cousins attacking the inside line, feeding "comeback kid" Steve Clarke who then saw off two tackle attempts to give Tenant the chance to opened his score card by a try under the post. Try converted and Eastbourne now looking in complete control.

From the restart Holbrook applied excellent pressure and a midfield handling error allowed the Holbrook winger to intercept and score a converted try under the posts. Holbrook continued to now pile on the pressure with great belief but playing route one rugby and as of a result of having 16 players on the field at one point won a penalty which their impressive 14 coolly drop goaled bringing the the score to Eastbourne 19 Holbrook 13. With now only 5 minutes to play Eastbourne had to show all their strength in guarding their own 22 meter line and successfully turning over the ball with Couthard finding touch and the game ending with an away win for the blue and gold's having encountered their most physical game in Sussex one yet.

Chairman Fraser Brooks said " Holbrook played a route one style of rugby and a good kicking game, but Eastbourne were impressive in how they adapted their game to over come these tactics and continued to try and play the type of rugby our players and spectators like us to play, the game by both sides was played in an excellent spirit and great credit must be given to Holbrook who never once gave up".

Next week the Blue and Gold's face an in form Midurst side at Hampden Park, Kick off 3pm

Men of the Match. James Coulthard and Tom Redman.

Eastbourne 19 Holbrook 13.