Old Reigatian 17 v Hove Harriers 19

A tough day at the office with several regulars unavailable, but we pulled a squad together and travelled to Old Reigatian ready for the challenge.

The warm-up was slow, but we grew into it with good intensity and focus. The game started scrappily, with both sides making poor decisions and throwing a few wayward passes. Old Reigatian capitalised early and went through to score.

Our scrum was dominant as usual. There are still small areas to tweak, but overall it was a real positive. The lineout, however, was a struggle and remains a major focus — from hooker accuracy to movement and timing with the jumpers. A strong collective effort at training is needed to improve this area.

As the half developed, we worked our way into the contest well. Our attack sharpened up, and the support play at the ruck — with far more effective clearouts — showed real improvement from previous weeks. There’s still more in us, but the progress was clear. We built sustained pressure on their line and forced a score just before half-time while they were down to 14 men. HT: 7–7.

We started the second half brilliantly, scoring early through a well-worked phase to take the lead at 7–14. Old Reigatian responded quickly, pinning us back and eventually squeezing over to narrow the score to 12–14.

The second half was intense. Some questionable decisions left us defending for long spells on our own line, but the defensive effort was outstanding. We held firm time and again under heavy pressure. Eventually, from a 5m penalty tap, Old Reigatian broke through to edge ahead 17–14 with around five minutes remaining.

What followed showed real character. With determination and composure, we escaped from our 22, broke upfield, and finished clinically to reclaim the lead at 17–19.

A strong win against a good Old Reigatian side. There’s still work to do on decision-making, set piece consistency and support play, but it was a big effort from everyone involved.

Up the Hove.