Back with a bang

Reigate 2XV headed to Mitcham and Carshalton this Saturday to face a resurgent side, and one who will become familiar for both our 1st XV and 2nd XV as both teams will meet next season in their respective leagues (Surrey 4 and Surrey Foundation).

On a blustery day it was Reigate who showed dominance early on despite the pre-match disruption of making sure we weren’t headed to Richmond and that we were also not going to be playing in the youth team kit. Early pressure turned to success with fly-half Danny Sylvester chipping over a penalty inside the Mitcham 22 to make it 3-0, and it wasn’t long before the outside half was again calling for the tee after the home side were penalised after a strong run of phase play by the visitors.

As the wind picked up it became difficult for both sides to make much headway, but some smart chips behind from Jack Stavely had the home side turning their backs and having to look for attacking opportunities from deep. Mitcham and Carshalton made good use the boot of their own flyhalf, pinning back the Reigate line as they used the wind to kick neatly for the corners. A turnover later and a hard line run downhill by one of their backs saw a try for the hosts, bringing the score much closer to 6-5.

The tactic of pinning back Reigate seemed to be a successful one, and playing in adapted rules Reigate were hurt by a knock-on which gave a tap to the home side inside the attacking 22. Brave Reigate defence saw a try denied thanks to the ball being held up over the line, but with the removal of the scrum a 5 metre tap and a head of steam from the Mitcham and Carshalton forwards saw a try scored to nudge the hosts ahead by 4. Controversy then followed during the conversion, much in the way a Northampton Exeter game ended just a few months ago, second-row Barry Ridler was adamant that the kicker had moved and charged down the attempted conversion – however as the referee had not seen the alleged movement the conversion was allowed to be retaken, and with a drop goal after the ball had fallen from the tee the hosts went ahead at half-time 12-6.

With the wind at their back and a slight downhill angle, Reigate were optimistic for the second half, much of the rugby had been played by them and the breakdown - whilst messy at times - was nearly always secured. Perhaps it was the rust of not playing in over a year, new combinations, or tired minds, but the final pass just didn’t materialise on several occasions leading to frustration for the visitors and a resurgence for the hosts.

Whilst a much scrappier affair, Reigate were able to make use of the wind to pin back the home side much as they had been in the first half, and with scrum half turned lock Keegan Martin winning every lineout ball, the Reigate backline were able to get on the front foot once more and set a platform for Andrew Turner to barrel over for the first Reigate try, taking the score to 12-11.

Shortly after the try, Reigate were again knocking at the Mitcham and Carshalton line, but couldn’t quite convert the short forward pods into points, with a turnover giving the hosts a chance to clear their lines and making the visitors regroup. A missed penalty later and Reigate were back in their own half having to find the same attacking prowess they’d shown so far as bodies wore down and subs were brought on in abundance for the hosts.

Reigate’s pack were called on for several short pod runs, with a man of the match performance from Ed Oakes who showed no sign of tiring despite currently taking part in a 100k in May challenge for BLISS*. The visitors were eventually able to make use of a tap and go in the 22, with captain Elliott England burrowing over for a score of his own, before succumbing to cramp in his legs – not a bad final act though to put Reigate back in front. Some spirited defence by both sides in the final 10 minutes meant most of the action took place around the halfway line. As a holding on penalty was given against the hosts the final whistle blew and the visitors took the day 16-12.

Speaking after the match, Head Coach Matt Sanford said "there was a really good attitude from all of the players, with lots of positives to take from the performance. There's an obvious desire to improve of the areas we need to, but we'll take this attitude into training and work on it so we're ready to push for promotion from the start of the season for both our 1st and 2nd XVs."

Mitcham and Carshalton have really used lockdown to the advantage of their club, with a revamped outdoors area perfect for socially distanced post-match hosting. After such a close contest we’re looking forward to a reversal of the fixture in 3 weeks’ time as Reigate play host at Colley Lane.

*You can support Ed's fundraising efforts here.