Match Report v East Grinstead Away

Dunstonians competed well in slippery conditions against opponents who have recruited extensively and are scoring points for fun. The old boys couldn't improve on an early Steve Gee penalty that saw them establish an early 3 point lead, despite Grinstead having their hooker sent off before half time. The old boys defensive rigour however was such that EG's solitary try was their poorest return in over a seasons league rugby and the first time this season that they hadn't secured the four try bonus point, and was sufficient to secure a losing bonus for the old boys, the least their spirited efforts deserved.

Despite the thin pickings of two bonus points from these four defeats, its important to reflect on several positives.

East Grinstead had been rampant in their three previous games, scoring an average of 55 points. On Saturday, Dunstonians restricted them to 10. (EG posted a complementary report and photos here http://www.egrfc.com , mainly of Motty who was clearly in the thick of it)
In defeats to Sevenoaks, Lewes and Elthamians, OD's laboured toward the end of the fixture when decisive scores were conceded, costing a bonus point against Oaks and victory against Lewes. On Saturday, D's finished the stronger, and spent the last ten minutes of the game pressing hard for the equalising try, so if issues existed with fitness they appear to have been addressed.
The set piece had struggled slightly. The EG website described the D's forwards as both "rugged" and "wily" suggesting that the home forwards didn't have it all their own way.
OD's have now played away to the top two team in the league and also hosted third place Sevenoaks, so three of the seasons tougher fixtures are out of the way.
These positives however will evaporate without a result this Saturday against fellow strugglers Warlingham, as near misses and losing bonus points need to be replaced by pragmatic decision making and most importantly, wins. Whilst the old boys can look forward to fixtures against sides not making the early pace in London South East 2, this looks a competitive league and its fair to say that whatever position a team currently occupies, the old boys can't and won't expect an easy game.

Saturdays fixture at Hamsey Green would serve as the perfect appetiser for the Pink Elephant ball at the club on Saturday night, so lets see as many as possible on the touchline, hopefully cheering a much needed win.