Ditchling travelled to Pulborough for their latest league encounter. The conditions and pitch were perfect for a running game which suited both sides.
From the kick off Pulborough immediately got into their stride getting the ball out to their fast backs at the earliest opportunity. After 3 phases of play with Pulborough executing their moves precisely they scored out wide for the 1st try of the game.
It was clear from the start the Pulborough back line was going to be a dangerous threat but Ditchling showed they were equal to Pulborough in the rucks and and looked dangerous themselves with ball in hand. After a series of exchanges and Ditchling working the ball into the Pulborough half, Nick Whitely Jones kicked a 30-yard penalty to reduce the arrears to 7:3.
Pulborough continued their strategy and on the 20-minute mark their backs broke through again to for their 2nd try. Further pressure shortly after then led to a charge down for Pulborough’s 3rd try.
A yellow card for Ditchling reduced their numbers to 14 increasing the pressure but credit to Ditchling they continued to compete and a lovely outside break from Whitely Jones took him all the way for Ditchling’s 1st try.
Finishing on the stroke of half time a smart kick and catch from the Pulborough centre allowed him to run clear for their 4th try of the game.

HT 28:10

The second half was again dominated by the Pulborough backs, which led to a further 6 tries from Pulborough. Amid this Ditchling replied with a hard fought try from Ollie Van Hoeken. A final score of 70:15 was a fair representation of the game.
The positives to take from the game was that Ditchling showed dominance in the scrum and equality in the lineout and in the rucks against one of the best teams in the league. Ditchling also remained strong hearted throughout although their shape did disappear by the end.
The game was lost by a combination of experience at this level and game management, coupled by the organisation and quality of the Pulborough backline. This shortfall can be corrected and if so, would make all the difference when playing the better teams in the league.

FT Pulborough 70 Ditchling 15

Ditchling now have a week off before returning to league action against Hove 2nd XV for a must win game to avoid possible regulation.

Scores
Tries: Nick Whitely Jones, Ollie Van Hoeken
Con: Nick Whitely Jones
Pen: Nick Whitely Jones