Cranleigh RFC top of the table this Christmas

Reigate started the game with a clear plan to drive into Cranleigh with their forwards and to only attack around the base of the scrum, pushing Cranleigh into their half for nearly all of the first half. Reigate forwards showed great energy and were able to turn over the ball in the rucks, putting Cranleigh under pressure. After 10 minutes, they were awarded a penalty and converted it, followed by another after 20 minutes, making it 6-0. Cranleigh could not get a foothold in the game, and when they did get possession, they were unable to attack due to inaccurate passing and dropped passes. In fact, the whole team looked bemused as to how to get a hold on the game as Reigate kept to their plan. Half Time 6-0.

The halftime talk and changes to the squad brought a new sense of urgency and understanding. The forwards started to take on Reigate, and there were signs that Cranleigh could put together some decent attacking moves . Unfortunately, the Cranleigh lineout was not working as well as in previous weeks, giving back possession. Still, some quick possession brought the halves into play, and Theo Holohan shot through a significant gap in the Reigate defence to score under the post, converted. From then on, after 12 minutes, Cranleigh realised that with quick possession they could run through the Reigate defence, helped by the Reigate fly-half kicking the ball directly to Mikey Roser, who ran the ball back to find Theo Holohan to outpace the Reigate Defence. .9-12.

With 18 minutes to go, the Reigate forwards started to look tired, and a brilliant catch-and-run saw Mikey Rosser run 80 yards to outpace any Reigate defence. The pattern was set, and in only another five minutes, Reigate allowed yet another yawning gap to appear for Theo Hollohan to repeat his great day in scoring under the posts. Final score 2-26.

Reigate knew their backs were not up to much and played to their strengths in the maul and ruck. The Cranleigh changes at half-time, especially the inclusion of Danny Golubchenko, who energised the pack that could take on the Reigate forwards.

Another excellent game in attack and defence by Mikey Roser at full back. It was good to see promising Flyn Lawrence join his father, Sam, on the side for the last 10 minutes.

The cliché "It was a tale of two halves" was a correct description of the game.

Great news after four wins and the top side, Freemans, are unable to get a side out to Warlingham on Saturday - Cranleigh find themselves top of the league, two points clear.

Credit to the coaches and players for the effort and results of the first half of the season. Now the difficult time starts in January, to keep up the momentum for the rest of the season.

Referee: Richard Kersey. Match Report by John Bailey