Trinity RFC 28- 26 East Grinstead RFC

Due to Old Whits dropping out of the scheduled League fixture Trinity were able to arrange a friendly match against East Grinstead 2s to setup a double header at LMA. Conditions were ideal with a firm pitch and sun shining; there was some uncertainty in the week if two pitches would be available as one of the posts on the 1st team pitch had collapsed, however our very own Dom Plumb was able to erect a replacement post in time.

Dan Crouch led the team at 10 with club debuts for Cameron Kennedy & Charle Cassar, Ty Williams returning from a long injury layoff was a welcome sight in the squad. Trinity kicked off playing up the slope and were under immediate pressure from an impressive looking EG side who worked through the phases to reach the Trinity line. The home side defence held firm and were able to get back into the EG half, strong carries from Speed and Scotty put Trinity on the front foot who were able to create an overlap, Crouch fed Sparky to reach Mamode on the wing to finish a great score, Crouch converted. EG hit straight back after some poor handling and ill discpline allowed the away side to apply pressure, 7-5 and it was clear this would be a tough encounter. Back came Trinity and after a quick tap Scotty barged his way over the line, Crouch converted again. EG then tried to work a midfield move which Goldschmied read perfectly to intercept and run in under the posts, Crouch conversion completed and Trinity went into half time 21-12 up.

Highlights from the first half were the line out which worked well with Hoffmann hitting debutant Kennedy well, Taiwo, Duffy & Mamode all looked electric when they had ball in hand to beat defenders at will. The spine of the team 8-9-10 Sparky, Stanton & Crouch used their chemistry to build possession and release strong runners which EG couldnt’t handle.

The second half was far more scrappy with a lot of contest at the breakdown and penalty decisions – this played into the opposition hands where Trinity were unable to build many sequenced phases to breakdown their defence. EG scored one try after some indecision in trying to play out of the 22 by Trinity and then another after their 10 slinked his way through the Trinity line to dot down, EG took the lead 21-26 and Trinity had 5 minutes to hit back. And hit back they did, with a number of phases and pressure on the EG line, Trinity worked the ball to the left flank where Williams beat a tackle to score, Crouch converted to finish with a 100% record. 28-26 to Trinity with more drama to come. Trinity had the ball under control, penalty decision to Trinity who chose to run the ball rather than kick points, EG turned over the ball as the ref called final play, EG then attacked from deep and looked to have broken the line but a great covering tackle meant they had to kick possession away and Callum Plumb kicked the ball of the pitch and the ref blew for full time.

Overall this was an impressive win against a well drilled East Grinstead team, Trinity are now 15 wins from 16 games and looking at next weekend’s league fixture against Sutton & Epsom as a promotion decider. Mentioned to Khrys Speed who was chosen as MoM by the oppo, great carries & work rate. Also to Dom Plumb and Matt Austin who used their guile to create the platform for Trinity to attack, Hoffy’s arrows were spot on all afternoon to finish with a 100% lineout success rate. Scotty carried very well in his usual bullish manner, Stanners & Crouch ran the play well from 9-10. DoD went to Dom Plumb who managed to head the ball to the EG player and claim as assist for their 3rd try.

Try Scorers – Joe Mamode, Alex Scott, Sam Goldschmied, Ty Williams
Cons – Dan Crouch x4
Squad – Dom Plumb, Jason Hoffmann, Matt Austin, Ben Donovan, Alex Scott, Cameron Kennedy, Khrys Speed, Mark Macaskill, Dave Stanton, Dan Crouch ©, Kitan Taiwo, Sam Goldschmied, Callum Plumb, Ed Duffy, Joe Mamode, Ty Wiliams, Charlie Cassar

Match Report – Mark Mackasill
Match Photos – via Pete Filewood’s FLICKR PAGE click here