First twenty minutes we started off strong against Croydon, our defense holding really well. We score the first try from forwards going direct and crashing then backs do what they've been practicing the past couple of weeks training, the forwards go for two more phases of a hard crash ball with Brad (Captain) picking the hole in their defense and scoring our first try.

Erith become complacent and 3 minutes later Croydon score their first try with quick hands through the backs.

Erith players start working their way towards the opposition's try line with good running lines from Shane followed up by Adam (his first game) then hard running from the forwards Kieran, Bill (vice captain) and Big Bill. Moments later Big Bill goes for a crash ball, and gets hit at the same time by two guys, except the 2nd guy from Croydon came in from an angle and went full force with a shoulder charge and no arms, resulting in Big Bill being partially concussed and had to sit out the rest of the game.

With just under 60 minutes to go, Erith are now a man down but haven't given up. Ronnie on the left wing makes at least 5 try saving tackles with Ash a few on his right wing too. Both tracking down would be try scorers and stopping them short of the try line.

Sherrif (also his first game), makes some good passes from practiced moves during training. But really impressed with his all in mentality on defence, all good solid body thumping tackles.

Man Of The Match, Adam Garcier, made some really good runs through the opposition (again moves practiced from training), and for a back secured the ball at many rucks including some decent clear-outs. Got very close to the opposition try line a few times.

Our lineouts were not perfect (only our first game) but functioned well enough under Robin's (one of our two coaches) guidance to not lose a single one and even steal one from Croydon.

But. Playing one man down for most of the game in the sweltering winter sun, making numerous tackles, Erith players start to run out of steam and broken links start to appear in our defence, Croydon take good advantage of this and win the game with 5 tries. End score 27 to 5.

We may have lost the match, but we enjoyed a good physical game of rugby, complemented by the aches and pains the next day, letting us know we gave it out all for each other, for our team mates. So that we may hold our heads high to look forward to our next game.

Erith Rugby Player.