For the first time in over a decade Ditchling fielded a second team, a testament of the strength in depth developing at the club. The team was a mixture of youth and ‘experience’ including ex 1st team captain Ruben Evans coming out of retirement to play alongside his 3 young sons.
Playing in stormy conditions, the test could not have been sterner with their opponents being top of the table and unbeaten Brighton and Sussex Medics.
Medics fielded a lightweight mobile pack and play 15 man rugby with a positive attitude, attacking at every opportunity.
The game began with Ditchling playing into a strong wind but quickly got into their groove. Pressure soon led to Jamie Wood diving over which was duly converted by Cameron Allen. With barely time to celebrate Medics responded with an unconverted try of their own to bring the score to 5:7.
A further converted try by wood, who was in commanding form at no8, kept Ditchling in front, although another reply from Medics just before the break reduced the half time deficit.

HT Sussex Medics 10 Ditchling 14

In the second half Ditchling had the wind behind them and controlled the game with intelligent play. When in the Medics half, the forwards continually punched holes through the opposition and with the momentum created, the half backs released the backline who were in dominating form.
When the Medics did make ground Ditchling remained composed kicking with the wind to keep Medic’s pinned in their own half.
At the 60 minute mark the highlight of the match was seeing Reuben Evans roll back the years and bundle over from 20 yards out like a human wrecking ball, carrying a number of the opposition with him for the ride.
Shortly after Toby Russell, having an influential game at Fly half, broke through the backline to release Ross Taylor to increase the score to 10:28 and gain the bonus point.
The next score was delivered by Allen who outpaced the opposition to score in the corner.
Credit to Medics who continued to run every ball they got and played with good hearts. Although it was Ditchling who closed out the game with a final try from Ed Hubbard, converted by Allen, who had a good day from the tee only missing one conversion in difficult conditions.

FT: Sussex Medics 10 Ditchling 40

Scorers: Jamie Wood (2), Cameron Allen, Reuben Evans, Ross Taylor, Ed Hubbard
Conversions: Cameron Allen (5)
MoM: Jamie Wood