Ditchling signed off their season with the Final of the Sussex Senior Plate.
Playing against East Grinstead 2nd XV from the league below Ditchling were perhaps a little complacent coming into this game. It was soon evident East Grinstead were here to play and were fully committed, making this a close fought tough encounter.

The match began a little scrappy as both teams warmed into the game, but it was EG who began to dominate and make inroads into Ditchling territory. Strong defence kept Grinstead’s attack at bay but after 8 minutes a charge down close to the Ditchling line led to EG diving over for the first score of the match.
Ditchling then woke up and began to put some phases together but unfortunately the final execution was letting them down. As so often this season the penalty count began to tell and just before the 30minute mark a penalty for a high tackle allowed EG to kick for a 10 to nil lead.

From the kick off Ditchling then dominated the next 5 minutes with cohesive forward play forcing them deep into EG half. Quick ball to the backs saw Adam Crook outstrip the EG defence for Ditchling’s first points. 5:10

Shortly afterwards Nick Whitley-Jones showed his pace and strength to beat 3 players on his way to the line and touch down under the posts. Whitley-Jones converted his own try to give Ditchling the lead for the first time in the match, where it remained for the remainder of the first half.

HT 12:10

The second half began with both teams eager to play an expansive game. Committed defence on both sides kept the game scoreless until a neat kick and collect from Crook took Ditchling to the 10-meter line. The ensuing ruck resulted in Alex Taylor breaking free to score. 7:10

Throughout the game the set pieces were even and neither team were willing to concede. EG looked dangerous with ball in hand and Ditchling showed how their cover defence has improved over the season.

After a period of play with both teams building the intensity, a kick deep into Ditchling territory was caught by Whitley-Jones who proceeded to run the 70 meters to EGs line breaking 5 tackles on his way demonstrating to the crowd of spectators his class.

24:10

EG then moved up a level realising they had to score next to stay in the game. Pressure led to a penalty to EG 5 meters out from which from a quick ‘tap and go’ they dived over. 22:17

This was then quickly followed up by good hands in the backs for EG to score again and bring the scores to 22:20.

Ditchling were stretched trying to hold a resurgent EG and a marvellous relieving 50:22 kick from Whitely-Jones took Ditchling back deep into EG territory. The resulting lineout and maul led to a break from replacement Barney Reed to score on the blindside and restore a 2-score lead. 31:20

Ditchling’s commitment coupled with an unforgiving surface began to tell with injuries mounting. The replacements did an excellent job filling in and continuing to hold EG, managing to see out the game without any further scores.

FT Ditchling 1st XV 31 v East Grinstead 2nd XV 22

East Grinstead proved worthy opponents and deserve respect for their gamesmanship during and character in defeat. Ditchling sign off the season achieving their goal of a mid-table finish and additional silverware to show for their hard work and momentum the club is building. They can enjoy some time off now and reflect on their achievements this season and consider the areas to improve on for next season.