Uckfield III 13 - 12 Cinque Ports Rugby (HT 13-7) Game abandoned on 50 Minutes
The dangers of rugby were abundant today as the game was abandoned due to concerns for Cinque Ports prop Rob Tritton. What was initially feared to be a neck injury was later proven to be a fractured and displaced sternum but the commitment and bravery of all players cannot be doubted in incidents like that. The game had certainly started brightly for CPR, it became apparent that Cinque Ports had quickly taken control of the set piece and they were using the possession well. Skipper Chris Eastwood and his deputy were both bright sparks with the ball in hand. Eastwood was a disruptive presence, and Kearney was a danger on the counter attack. Uckfield's tactics of kicking for territory was a dangerous ploy with the Cork man solid under the high ball. Eastwood combined well with Paul Smart to release the centres and Kearney was unlucky not to score before being bundled into touch. That attack had come from a scrum won against the head, and good defence saw Cinque Ports with an attacking 5m scrum. The initial surge was held out by Uckfield and good work through the hands saw Luke Price crash over. Smart slid home the difficult conversion. The forwards were a strong presence also for Ports. Great scrummaging by Tritton and Nick Giles, ably supported by Dale Whittington's work in the line out and Dean Dedman in hovering up scraps. Despite this Uckfield raised their game, and CPR indiscipline allowed them to clear their lines. A period of Uckfield territorial advantage allowed their hulking second row Dave Cooke to go over in the corner. The conversion tied up the score. Paul Smart and Winger Adam Bigg both made good breaks, but the hosts were steadily upping their game and two penalties put them 13-7 up.
Half time saw a number of changes including recently recruited debutant Paolo Perella. The game started equal but a great break saw the ball go through the hands of Smart, Perella, Price and Rob Fink before Whittington brought it infield. From a ruck captain Eastwood now on the wing managed to wriggle over despite strong resistance. Smart was unlucky not to make the conversion. Cinque Ports seemed very confident and were looking to run the ball from deep. Both sides blood run a little cold though when from a crashing challenge the big prop Tritton fell to the floor. Medical staff from both clubs quickly attended to the injured front rower, and the referee made the decision to abandon when it became apparent the injury was a serious one.
Team Manager Gavin Thomas reflected on the incident and the game "What was a nice even game was quickly reduced to insignificance when it became apparent Rob was injured. Uckfield were quick to support us in ensuring Rob was safe and we thank them for that. That is the nature of our game, you can pick up serious injuries but we quickly rally round to support". Thomas also confirmed that the game would be replayed at a later date.It has been confirmed that Rob Tritton has been released from hospital and that he suffered a fractured and displaced sternum, a very painful injury nonetheless.
