As Saturday’s game moved deep into the second half, conversation amongst the Reigate supporters was abuzz with anticipation; the Blues, with a tight stranglehold on proceedings, and several penalties in the opposition’s 22, had all but put the away side to the sword, but, frustratingly, the visitors managed a stay of execution and escaped from the jaws of death.
With Staines three points clear at this juncture, and the consecutive number of penalties to us, it was a touchline debate over the free ball decisions – scrum, lineout or kick the points. Although the ultimate outcome did not favour us, it is important to note that we were in that field position at that point in the match, with a tight scoreline - a situation we have not had the pleasure of experiencing too often this season.

This reads as though it is trying to find a positive from a negative; however, consider the previous meeting of the XVs in October, which ended in a 43 – 17 victory to our opponents - to be competing for victory shows the distance travelled by the Colley Lane squad, as well as its ongoing improvement.

The game kicked off with Tom fielding the ball, setting off and covering ground towards Staines’ half [his carrying, a major influence on the forward momentum throughout the afternoon], but it was the team in red who applied early pressure, only dedicated defence by all [mention for George, Sami, Toby, Dan B… in his own words, ‘This week the battered, not the batterer!’] snuffing out a score. A further move through the hands by their talented backs almost led to a try but for the sudden appearance of Tom to foil the attempt.
Eventually, Reigate regained possession – a Will line kick easing pressure; from the respite, we played our way back into the game, our own 3/4s, led by Robbie at 10, showing good handling to take us towards the enemy 22. With approximately 20 minutes on the clock, a well-executed line out gave Dan H the opportunity, on his welcome return, to muscle over and give the Blues the lead. Reigate continued to run at Staines’ defence [Josh and Elliot combining to make tough yards; Harry having an attacking run] but turn over gave an opportunity for their left wing to run almost the length of the pitch to score a good try [converted to take the score to 5 – 7].

Déjà vu, moments later, and it looked as if Staines would double their lead, however, superb covering back from Will and Elliot thwarted the score and we were able to clear to safer territory. For the next few minutes play centred around the middle of the park, until the Swans midfield carved a hole through our defence. From the following penalty, Staines took a 5 – 10 lead into the break.

The second period got under way with similar play to the end of the first half, the ball spending time in no man’s land between either 22s, penalty decisions, line outs and scrum wins being equally shared. But the game had not petered out to a midfield slog, and from an attacking line out, Sami taking the full brunt of a ferocious tackle, managed an off load to Rob, who carved a pathway to the tryline [Josh converted to take the score to 12 – 10].

As expected, Staines were bruised by this affront and attacked with wave upon wave of good running [both forwards and backs] and, as at the match outset, Reigate were forced to defend, defend, defend, which they did with immense grit and determination, until the rival right wing darted through to restore their lead.

The yellow carding of their scrum half turned the impetus yet again, leading to the sustained period of Reigate pressure [as mentioned at the outset] with strong scrummaging, Callum’s pinpoint line kicks and tight control, but to no avail – the line out, usually so well marshalled and our ‘go to’ option, not paying dividends this time – Staines were able to clear and despite best efforts from both sides, the game finished without further scoring.

Finally, there must be a particular mention for our pack, especially in the front row - Matt, Dan H, Wes and Ross - who matched and, at times, outclassed the ‘well proportioned’ opposition scrum.

17th January 1912 saw Captain Robert Falcon-Scott and his expedition party reach the South Pole, unfortunately, arriving one month after the Norwegian exploration crew had pitched tent and planted their flag in the deep snow. Whilst there is no comparison of heroism, hardship or historic event, the loss Reigate suffered to Staines on the same date, one hundred and fourteen years later, portrays an own brand of disappointment, ‘almost’ and bravery.

Warlingham loom on the horizon – they suffered a hefty loss to Emanuel, so are likely to be smarting from the defeat, thinking they will have easy pickings at Colley Lane!
There is such a vibe now in the squad; all, from coaching team to occasional players, appear to be building the spirit that will bring success. As I see it, last season was about survival in a new climate; this year is about solidifying and union; a continuation of this togetherness and the further development of experience and skillsets will surely bear the fruit of victory