Down the train lines to Sidcup today for a crucial London & SE Division, Regional 1 South East league relegation battle with Sidcup RFC. Both sides were seeking a win to avoid the second from bottom place drop down from our league and stay in level 5 rugby. Our genial hosts welcomed our representatives with good spirit and hospitality to what was their volunteers and supporters club lunch before the game, so a big turn out.

The game kicked off at 3 p.m., and Stags started very well once again, with a real sense of urgency and full commitment. This was rewarded with what could only be described as a truly fantastic opening try for Stags after just five minutes, Pat Regan (No. 14) picking up the ball at the half way line and breaking through at least four or five tackles and hand offs to score solo on the left. An early 0 – 5 lead to Stags, as the try was not converted. Sidcup then were awarded a penalty in front of the posts on the 16-minute mark, but failed to convert it. A dour battle of attrition from both sides for much of the rest of the second half, with Will Barker (No. 1) being yellow carded on the 32-minute mark following a scrum collapse. Sidcup capitalised on this two minutes later with a pushover 5-metre scrum in our left corner for the try. The conversion was unsuccessful – five points apiece now, and that took us up to half time.

Second half kicked off and Stags came out as per the first half, capitalising on an early try after just over a minute of play. Alex Jones (No. 9) picked up from just inside the Sidcup half, broke through their defensive line, and popped it up to Pat Regan (No. 14) in the tackle, who was on his shoulder in great support play. Pat once again stormed through to the line under the posts after breaking a couple more tackles. John Hargreaves (No. 10) converted – score Sidcup 5 – CS Stags 12. Sidcup pressurised very strongly for the next thirty minutes or so, and the Stags defence soaked up a lot of pressure to their immense credit. Angus Low (No. 6) was then yellow carded after 19 minutes, and Sidcup capitalised once again. They kicked to the right touch, won the line out, and drove the maul over towards centre ground to score a try, which was converted. 12 points apiece. However, on the 24-minute mark Stags broke through yet again. A kick ahead was allowed to bounce by Sidcup, and you can only guess who was there to pounce – Pat Regan (No. 14) yet again picking up the loose ball and fending off a few more attempted tackles to score just right of the posts for his match day hat-trick. John Hargreaves (No. 10) converts, and Stags lead 12 – 19. Once again concerted pressure by Sidcup for the next ten minutes saw them kick to the left, win the line out, and drive over for a try. The conversion attempt just went to the left of the posts though, which saw Stags lead 17 -19 with just minutes to go. Sidcup were then awarded a penalty on the right touch, decided they needed a bonus point win and kicked to the corner instead of attempting the three point kick. Stags defence held firm, and after a nerve-racking final minute, full time was blown. Final match score: Sidcup RFC 17 – CS Stags 1863 19.

Summary: This was a great win by the Stags boys. The match could have swung either way and there was a lot at stake, but it is all about taking your opportunities when you can in attack, and combining that in gritty defence at the same time. The whole team delivered. The entire team gets credits and special mentions today. Our immense thanks also go to Chris Swann (DoR), Oli Bryant (Head Coach), and Jay Chitre (Physio) for preparing the team for this important match.

Man of the match: Pat Regan (No. 14) – (as awarded by Chris Swann, DoR) – three absolutely cracking individual tries, plus always there on the shoulder for back up and seizing opportunities.
Special mentions: (Also as awarded by Chris Swann, DoR) – Alex Jones (No. 9) – “Alex was unbelievable on his return to the side after injury”, and controlled the game excellently from scrum half. Plus as already mentioned – the entire team and squad gets the credit today for their spirit, determination, and resolve.
CS Stags scorers:
Tries: Pat Regan (x3) – (15 points)
Conversions: John Hargreaves (x2) – (4 points)