Reigatian had suffered a blow hours before kick off with last weeks Man of the Match Seb Courtney Walker pulling out of the fixture with a fever. With other players injured or away Paul Marshall was moved from Prop to back row. However it had all started so well for the visitors, Reeds were defending the slope in the first half and having problems containing the Reigatian pack who were winning quality possession from all phases enabling them to set up camp in Reeds red zone.
A forward rumble took the Reigatian pack over the line for Toby Collister to score a rare try which Tom Baldwin converted for a seven pointer, quickly followed by a penalty also from Baldwin in front of the sticks as Reeds strayed offside in defence and lost a man to the bin as well.
This period of play completely dominated by Reigatian as they applied more pressure and this time Ciaran Nestor scored from the forward drive 0-15.
Then in the 25th minute Winger Jonny Bridges finished off an impressive passage of play to score in the corner. Baldwin made the kick from the touchline and Reigatian were 0-22 ahead.
This was never going to be the full story with Reeds at Home and the benefit of their considerable sloop in the second half to maintain the cushion was important for the Visitors. However unfortunately Ryan Taylor Travers picked up a serious rib injury and had to leave the field with two backs and a front row on the bench Ciaran Lee stepped up to play on the flank. The two Props in the back row gave 120% but obviously now the pack lacked some mobility.
Reeds skipper fought back with some quality possession going forward. Reeds first try gave them some momentum and then just before half time Paul Marshall was shown a yellow card. With OR’s down to 14 men Reeds managed to go over for a second try before half time to close the gap. Half Time 14-22.
Reeds now playing down the sloop played with confidence of a team in the higher end of the league and kept playing their home pitch perfectly.
Incredible spirit and commitment shown by the lads in Blue & Green to hold Reeds out for half an hour and some would say at least two good try scoring opportunities that weren’t converted.
Reeds managed a converted try on the 30 minute mark to put themselves a single point behind. Closely followed by a Penalty and Reeds moved ahead for the first time in the game 24-22.
Reigatian came back again and were in the Reeds 22 looking to find a way to the try line when the ball was lost and the Reeds ten quickly kicked the ball long down the hill for their speedy Winger to chase. He managed to touch down and the Reeds reliable kicker converted to make the final score 31-22. As always between these teams a very close game. Reigatian can hold their heads high. This season has provided a tough test and the players have not stopped giving their all for the shirt. After this bruising encounter we shall see who is in one piece for the trip to Medway next Saturday.
Special Mention to Ed Forsyth who came off the Bench to make his 150th Appearance for the Club the 2nd player in a few weeks to achieve this fantastic milestone.
Old Reigatian 1st XV
1. Ethan Monk 2. Ciaran Nestor 3. Toby Collister 4. Reilly Franklin Talbot © 5. Dan Grant 6.Paul Marshall 7. Ryan Taylor Travers 8. Joey Goldsmith 9. Alex Skinner 10. Ben Holder 11. Jonny Bridges 12. Tom Baldwin 13. Tom Allen 14. Harrison Mitchell 15. Will Parker 16. Ciaran Lee 17. Ed Forsyth 18. Fin Coyle
