There’s no getting away from the fact that 33-0 doesn’t read great on paper, however to the large crowd in attendance at Colley Lane on Saturday enjoying the sunshine, the bar and the return of rugby to Reigate, a great display of grassroots rugby was on put on, with the visitors making the most of their chances and getting a more favourable bounce of the ball at times.

Reigate were able to address historical issues of a slow start, putting pressure on Old Suttonians and spending much of the first 20 minutes in their opponents 22, building good set-piece structure and well worked backs play throughout – however they were not able to breach the opponents well worked defence and cross the white line. One favourable turnover of possession for the visitors led to a chip over the top, a juggled catch after the ball had bounced cruelly in front of the home winger and the visitors had their first try of the day.

In a squad much changed from the last time Colley Lane saw competitive rugby, Reigate showed the progress that had been made against a team a league above them, and again were knocking on the visitor’s door only to once again be denied. Old Sutts were able to work their way down the pitch again after a line break, and several phases later crossed for their second score of the day.

Heading into the second half 14-0 down, Reigate were optimistic about their chances, knowing their preseason work and the hours of training could keep them in the game and hoping to narrow the gap with an early break in the second half. Unfortunately, this was not to be and whilst the game remained tight in open play, with the Reigate pack securing several turnovers, fatigue set in to Reigate legs. Old Sutts had brought a strong 25 man contingent with them, whilst a spate of unfortunate injuries and availability issues hampered the home team and limited the number of fresh legs available to come on.

A true highlight of the game for the home side was the number of players making their club debut and putting in strong performances, Ross Harty at 9, James Bennett the hybrid centre/back-row starlet, Ty Martin at 15 who had several destructive carries, Tom Turner on the wing, Jack Hart in the backrow and Matt Radford who carried hard, tackled even harder and earned himself man of the match honours.

Speaking after the match Head Coach Matt Sanford was optimistic, stating that there was a lot of promise ahead of a big season for Reigate Rugby Club where the league is a real target and that against stronger opposition the home side had put in a good showing despite how the score reads.

So long as Elliott England doesn’t try and spike the ball between his legs again 5 metres out from his own try line (he argues there was method to the madness) there really is a lot of promise in this Reigate squad ahead of a big season which sees rugby at the club most Saturday afternoons, and the ever thriving Minis and Youth sections packing the house on a Sunday.