Match Reports by Rick Howe
Photos by Denys Clarke
Crowborough RFC 1st XV 12 – 21 Ashford RFC 1st XV
18 October 2025
Crowborough RFC suffered a 21–12 home defeat to Ashford in a frustrating performance that fell short of expectations. Despite fielding one of their strongest sides of the season, Crowborough were second best for much of the contest as Ashford’s powerful pack dominated possession and territory.
The visitors took control early, driving over for a converted try before their scrum-half added a second after exploiting gaps in a static home defence. Injuries to Harry Marchesi and Gus Weir further disrupted Crowborough’s backline.
Just before half-time, Sam Skinner finished in the corner to reduce the deficit to 14–5. Dave Bennett’s close-range try, converted by Ed Croft, briefly brought Crowborough within two points, but Ashford’s relentless forward play sealed victory with a third converted try.
Crowborough showed determination late on but lacked cohesion in attack. They will aim to regroup before facing Deal on 8 November.
Park House RFC 1st XV 10 – 12 Crowborough RFC 1st XV
11 October 2025
Crowborough RFC edged a dramatic 12–10 victory away to Park House, earning a hard-fought win at one of the league’s toughest venues.
The home side’s powerful forwards dominated early territory, but Crowborough’s disciplined defence resisted repeated attacks. Park House struck first through their inside centre, before Henry Carter’s interception launched a 60-metre break that ended with Ed Croft scoring and converting to give Crowborough a narrow 7–5 half-time lead.
Missed kicks from both sides kept the contest tense. Park regained the lead with a well-worked line-out drive but again failed to convert. With the clock in the red, Crowborough capitalised on a Park handling error — Croft moved the ball wide for Sean Bate to crash over in the corner and seal the win.
It was a determined defensive effort, and despite seven missed kicks overall, Crowborough’s resilience delivered a valuable away triumph.
Crowborough RFC 1st XV 50 – 15 Charlton Park RFC 1st XV
4 October 2025
Crowborough RFC produced their best performance of the season with a commanding 50–15 win over Charlton Park at Steel Cross. Despite missing ten squad players through injury, the home side showed cohesion and confidence, with strong defence and clinical attacking play.
An early try from Harry Marchesi set the tone, followed by a well-worked maul finish from Sam Edwards and a training-ground move that saw Will Pitman cross for the first of his four tries. Ed Croft added a charge down try before Pitman struck again to secure a bonus point.
Even after going down to 13 men with two yellow cards, Crowborough remained composed. Charlton Park responded with two tries through fly-half Sam Spriddell, but late scores from Richard Tasker and the outstanding Pitman completed the rout.
Man of the Match was scrum-half Ed Croft, whose control and composure guided Crowborough to an emphatic victory.