Brave borough narrowly lose to a very strong Brighton side

Brighton 20 Pulborough 17

The first league game of the season was a tough one, away to Brighton, and with the usual pre-match controversy. Actually there wasn't much of this but never let the facts get in the way of sports journalism. In a cunning plan to put Pulborough off their stride Brighton sent a late notice delaying the kick off. Same issue at the World Cup (the "what" I hear you cry) with a number of teams saying the late starts don't suit them. This time it wasn't such an issue, at least for those who got the message before they had got up, walked the dog, wolfed their breakfast and were on the way out of the door before number one son suggested there was no need for at least another hour.

The game was a close affair between contrasting styles, Brighton very organised and dominating the set piece, Pulborough happier when it broke up and they were able to keep the ball moving. The game started with 5 minutes of mistakes and plenty of scrum practice. Once that was out of the way Brighton dominated the early exchanges with Boro conceding 6 or 7 penalties in less time than it takes Leigh to do his hair. Rule 376 b) vii) wasn't breached but the rest of the rule book was getting a thorough work out. Boro defended their line strongly but this resulted in a yellow card for a tackle that was deemed dangerous (fortunately no TMO at Brighton or we'd still be awaiting a decision) and shortly afterwards the extra man was used for Brighton to score on the right.

Boro were then able to get into the game with strong running from the forwards (Dan G very prominent) and offloading to keep the ball moving. Eventually James A screamed for the ball on the switch before crashing through several tackles into the 22. He was brought down but was able to pop the ball up to Michael to score a converted try. More Boro pressure followed, keeping the ball moving and able to break from anywhere on the pitch. A series of penalties were conceded by Brighton and eventually this told with Michael able to ignore the overlap from a tap penalty to score a second try. Boro deserved the 12-5 lead at half time.

The second half started well with Boro continuing to play with freedom. After 10 minutes they broke from inside their own 22, going the length of the pitch before Brighton conceded a penalty and another tap brought Harry L a try. It didn't take long for Brighton to respond with a try of their own with a break on the left and another came from a catch and drive at the lineout. 17-15 with 10 minutes to go. All the pressure was being applied by Boro and it seemed we must score. Jay was held up over the line (despite George's rather impressive try celebration) and even when Brighton cleared the ball was returned quickly including a left footed chip over the defense from Ewan to push Brighton back on their line. Skill apparently.

Meanwhile PJ had sensed bad things were about to happen and couldn't watch anymore - no idea how he got through last season at Quins. When Brighton had a player yellow carded a Boro win seemed likely but almost immediately they scored with a set move that went through what had seemed an impenetrable central defense. The rest of the game was spent on the Brighton 5 metre line with Boro just unable to get over the line.

In the end either side could have won and Boro will feel unlucky to have lost. Perhaps a little more composure when they were dominating would have seen them home but they were up against a strong and well organised Brighton team. The explanation for England losing to Wales was apparently that Chris Robshaw wasn't handed a rose before the match. Unfortunately Pulborough's rose, "Clairvoyant Chris" wasn't able to attend this game and this seems like the most likely reason for the result. Overall though there was great deal to be positive about, plenty of strong running from all the forwards and the backs continue to look dangerous - when the two come together this teams plays some great rugby.

Much to look forward to.