On a cold but crisp Saturday afternoon, perfect for rugby, East Grinstead 2nd XV hosted Burgess Hill in what turned out to be a fiercely contested match, eventually earning the home side a hard-fought 15-8 victory.

The first half was a defensive battle for East Grinstead, with Burgess Hill holding the lion’s share of possession. Grinstead’s defensive line worked tirelessly, with some big shots put in from some of the boys and some great composure under the high ball. Opportunities to score were scarce but not absent; a couple of promising plays fizzled out just short of the line, leaving the boys frustrated.

With both sides struggling to convert pressure into points, it looked like the first half would end scoreless. However, minutes before the whistle, Burgess Hill capitalized on a moment of disorganization in the Grinstead defense, finding the try line out wide to take a 5-0 lead into halftime.

The halftime talk emphasized composure and taking advantage of the possession when it came. With a slight change in tactics, East Grinstead started the second half with more ball in hand, finally piecing together some fluid phases. Seven minutes in, their patience paid off. After sustained pressure in the Burgess Hill 22, quick hands from the backs released Reggie Harris, who powered over the line for a crucial try. Rhys Skinner stepped up and calmly slotted the conversion, giving Grinstead a 7-5 lead and much-needed momentum.

Burgess Hill responded quickly, earning a penalty in Grinstead territory and opting for the posts. Their kicker made no mistake, nudging the visitors ahead at 8-7. The game hung in the balance, and tensions were rising.

At the 59-minute mark, East Grinstead won a penalty of their own. Rhys Skinner once again put his hand up for the responsibility and delivered under pressure, slotting three points to restore the lead at 10-8 with 20 minutes to play.

The final quarter was high-energy and high-tension, with both teams leaving everything on the field. Tempers flared, leading to some heated exchanges and a few argie bargees ( all fun and games) . Grinstead found themselves under added pressure after receiving two yellow cards on separate occasions, forcing them to dig deep with 14 men.

Despite the setbacks, Grinstead showed incredible grit and determination. With 10 minutes to go, they put the result beyond doubt. Moving the ball wide with precision, Paddy Shepherd, one of their Australian debutants, drew in the Burgess Hill defense and set up his fellow Aussie and debutant, Connor Williams. Williams broke down the wing, leaving defenders in his wake to score a fantastic try in the corner. Although the conversion was missed, the scoreboard now read 15-8 in Grinstead’s favor.

The closing stages saw Burgess Hill push hard, but Grinstead’s defense held firm, ensuring the win. As the final whistle blew, the boys celebrated a well-deserved victory, one that showcased their resilience, teamwork, and ability to execute under pressure.

Final Score: East Grinstead 2nd XV 15, Burgess Hill 8.