With the recent heatwave still holding its grasp on the South east of England, the Sussex All Blacks began their league season in earnest with a visit from Pulborough RFC.

With the recent good performances in preseason matches versus league above opposition, there was a slight apprehension as to what was going to face the SAB's.

A differing looking side with new players stepping up, new signing Dan Giles starting on the wing showing great promise in the preseason fixtures. A back line including Chris Robson-close and Adam Rezazadeh stepping in as the half back positions, it looked like an interesting afternoon was to be had at Burgess Hill Rugby club.

The SAB's started well as they played towards the clubhouse and it took a 20 minute session until the visiting side opened their account. With their centre crossing the line. The new looking Burgess Hill side did not fold to this score and it took another session of play until the visitors scored again. The flow of play was not all Pulborough's way, the SAB'S stood their ground and with a well functioning lineout continued to push for the try line.

Ben Dronfield,Harvey Hays and Fergus Collins were taking control of the lineout, Stuart Cooper and new signing Cameron Stempt working hard in the 'coal face' with Tim Mason hooking. Unfortunately Mason had a dislocation of his finger and was taken from the field. Ben Dewey moved up to Hooker and the game continued. We all wish Tim Mason a swift recovery. Openside Flanker Collins and new signing Charlie Coles were putting in the tackles from the flanks which questioned the travelling sides lines of running.

Pulborough looked dangerous in their three-quarters, although Sam Kingscott was close to an interception from the visitors centres. McClaren adding his defence prowess into the mix in the centre, the centre partnership was working hard in the mid field! The pressure that the home back line was creating for the opposition was fantastic and causing a few dropped balls and issues for Pulborough.

The second half was a bit more in Burgess Hills favour, momentum and a newly found focus saw the home side make good inroads into the oppositions half. Robson-Close used some intelligent play and tapped the penalty which saw Ben Dewey cross the white wash and Hill had opened their account!!

The referee had warned both sides of high tackle infringements, unfortunately the Skipper, Rezazadeh was high tackled and the offender was removed from the field of play. With the extra man gaps appeared in open play and Robson-Close exploited this, sending the home side in over the try line. Robson -Close subsequently kicked the extra points.

Momentum was with the home side, there was some good interplay into the far end corner but unfortunately no extra points were added to the home sides score sheet.

The match ended a 57-14 score line to Pulborough.

The home side showed great spirit and continued playing to the very end of the match! The positive attitude is to be applauded and hopefully it will continue further into the season.

Head Coach Adam Harman said 'I'm very happy with todays performance, the guys played well and for a while there was not much between the two sides. If we can continue to draw new players into the fold, we can make Burgess Hill Rugby Club a very healthy place for grass roots rugby.'

Training continues both Tuesday and Thursday this week (7.30 to 9pm), Burgess Hill travel away next Saturday (23rd) to Uckfield for their next league fixture!! All support is welcome!!

If you are interested in playing at any level of ability, please feel free to contact the club and come and get involved!!

A big thankyou goes to Lenny Collingbourne for running touch and giving support from the touchline!!!! Plus all supporters watching from the side line and the clubhouse veranda!!!