Ditchling fielded a strong squad for this rearranged fixture against Pulborough. A committed and passionate performance ultimately fell short to a well organised Pulborough team.

From the kick off it was apparent both teams were up for the challenge with strong running counted by aggressive tackling. At the 10 minute mark Pulborough began to make inroads into the Ditchling half which resulted in a couple of penalties. On the 2nd attempt their Fly Half converted for a 0:3 lead.

The game continued at a high tempo with both teams fully committed. This lead to Pulborough making a number of injury replacements early on. Both teams adopted a similar game plan, setting a quick phase 1 platform to launch their pacy backline at the earliest opportunity. The game was well balanced until Pulborough took advantage of a loose ball giving their pacy winger room to break down the right wing and score under the posts.

The game then ebbed back and forth until the final 5 minutes when Ditchling began to force their way into the Pulborough half breaking tackles and bringing play up to the Pulborough 5 yard line. The pressure began to tell and forced Pulborough to concede a penalty in from of their posts. From here, the alert Charlie Pearson quickly tapped and ran through unopposed to touch down. The conversion by Nick Whitley-Jones bought the score to 7:10, which took the game to half time.

HT: Ditchling 7 Pulborough 10

Early into the second half the influential Jake Riddell dislocated his shoulder, to be replaced by Owen Kernan making his return after a long injury lay off.
After about 10 minutes of even play the game turned through a 50-meter break by Pulborough’s Fly half. Quickly followed up by the pack taking the ball over for Pulborough’s second try and a 7:17 lead.

Despite Pulborough edging possession, Ditchling kept the game balanced with continuous breaks by the Ditchling back row, particularly Jamie Hutchings and Jarrell Bobo. Backs Adam Crook and Whitely-Jones regularly breaking the gain line only to be stopped by the covering defence.
On the 60 minute mark the killer blow was struck with an 80 meter mazy run from the excellent Pulborough winger taking him untouched to the Ditchling line for a 7:24 lead.
Despite continued pressure from Ditchling and running at every opportunity Pulborough held firm and the game finished with no further scores.

FT: Ditchling 7 Pulborough 24

The difference between the teams was down to moments of skill from the pacy Pulborough backs, and their speed to capitalise on Ditchling mistakes. Although Pulborough had the majority of possession they were matched in most parts, particularly in the ferocity of defence throughout the Ditchling team. Ditchling can take pride that the competed against one of the best teams in the league for the full 80 minutes, proving again they belong in this league and are continuing to improve.

Scorers
Tries: Charlie Pearson
Con: Nick Whitely-Jones

Man of the Match: Jarrell Bobo