Newick 26 – Pulborough 2 15

The Pirates travelled to Newick with a squad resembling a boy band; no front row and a few Colts. I have never seen someone so affronted as when I told the opposition Captain we were going uncontested. The ugs and grunts I'm sure were understood by the rest of his front row, which numbered about 15 judging by the size of them.

The game was a battle of wills; Pulborough trying to dance round and run the opposition off the park and Newick battering the hell out the boys 2.5-3.5 metres wide of the preceding ruck. It seems the Referee was similarly affronted by the lack of scrums as we conceded 3 penalties at the first 3 scrums, all for breaking off too early. Jack Corbett looked suitably confused as he was cautioned for breaking his bind too early at his new position of loosehead prop! With Newick dominating territory the Pulborough defence held for a long while, hits raining in on the opposition from Stu Standing, Matt Coral and Jack Leddra in particular, until being undone by the route one rugby being directed at them.

When Sam Beesley forced a turnover and the Pirates did finally get the ball they showed their class and made 50 metres up the pitch in two phases of play. Joe Johnson and Tom Elsworth-Smith showing what they can do with ball in hand. With a penalty awarded it was decided that we needed to get on the scoresheet so the ball was superbly struck through the middle of the posts by Joel Baker.

With a bit of belief now the boys started to really implement the game plan of keeping the oppo. running and attack them with superior pace and skill. Harry Bullock made the half-break, Jack Leddra took up the reins and Ben Sadler pirouetted his way through the last line of defence and managed his signature triple toe-loop before popping the ball down between the posts. Duly converted by Joel Baker. Halftime 12-10.

During the halftime rant it was noted that Newick would tire and die on Pulborough's superiorly fitter sword. It certainly looked that way as, after captain Joe Leddra narrowly avoided a card after an Elliot Daly-style challenge in the air from the kick off, the boys were starting to run rampant with ball in hand. Joe Johnson finished off a move in style by slicing the defence

in half and scoring in the corner. 12-15.

It was thought that Newick would tire and we would run away with it at the end but all credit to them they came back even harder and instead, it was the Pulborough boys that seemed to tire. Perhaps it was the sheer number of tackles being made or the ferocious scrummaging but two late tries from Newick were enough to send the boys back to the changing rooms contemplating what nearly was. Final score 26-15.

Another hard week with availability but the Pirates put in a performance they can be proud of.

Congratulations have to go to Newick, who play a very physical brand of rugby that works for them. They were the better team on the day and are the only team in the whole league to beat us home and away this season. I know all the boys enjoyed the antics in the Clubhouse afterwards.

Special mentions to Harry Bullock, Man of the Match, a constant threat in attack and a great defensive display from the smallest man on the pitch (feels great to honestly say that). Joe Johnson, first try for the Pirates, running some great lines from centre. Ben Sadler, hated by Referees but tolerated by the rest of us, another good game. Jack Leddra, doubt you'll ever get Man of the Match for me. Joel Baker, an all-round performance to be proud of. Dan Greenfield, came on for his first Pirates appearance and defended excellently. Chris Francis, gave blood the day before and was knackered after the warm up. Finally Jack Corbett, thank you for driving the bus although you'll arrive quicker if you release the handbrake!

1 S Standing 2 M Coral 3 M Livesley 4 C Francis 5 J Corbett 6 Jack Leddra 7 Joe Leddra (c) 8 B Sadler 9 H Bullock 10 J Baker 11 T Elsworth-Smith 12 J Johnson 13 S Beesley 14 O Bamber 15 O Greval 16 G Kidner 17 D Greenfield 18 J Scrase

Tries- B Sadler, J Johnson

Joe Leddra- 2nd XV captain