Unbeaten East Grinstead 1s Crowned Sussex Rugby Champions
East Grinstead Rugby Club, West Sussex, are celebrating following EG Men 1’s away victory over Burgess Hill (30-64) last Saturday, 26 February, making it fourteen out of fourteen wins and crowning them the ‘Harvey’s of Sussex League 2021-2022’ Champions!
Following the tragic loss of their Head Coach, Police Sergeant Matt Ratana in September 2020, the East Grinstead players have been determined to continue Matt’s goal, to return to the London leagues and now they are a step closer.
Throughout the history of rugby, many club teams have managed to win titles, but the EG 1 Men’s team have gone the whole season unbeaten in the league winning games by strong margins.
Speaking after the game, Jack Andrews, EG 1’s Captain said:
“It’s an unbelievable feeling to win the league in this way! When the Captain’s sat down with the coaching staff back in 2020, including Matt Ratana, and were asked “what is it we want this squad to achieve?”, we could not have imagined winning this league unbeaten! Seeing our vision come to fruition so soon is not only a very proud moment for the club and the players but is the fulfilment of a dream!
It goes without saying that this could not have happened without the support of everyone at the club, but most of all it has been down to this incredible group of players and coaches who have been nothing less than inspirational. This is the start of something very special. COME ON YOU G’s!”
During every game played, both home and away, East Grinstead have seen large numbers of players ready to step up to play. Everyone who joined them – wanted to share the journey.
Ryan Morlen, Head Coach, East Grinstead RFC said:
“I can only thank the players for the hard work and dedication they’ve put into the success of this season, without commitment and comradery we wouldn’t have been able to go 14 from 14, the club, the community is so strong at East Grinstead which once again has laid the foundations. However, what makes East Grinstead the club it is right now is the people and volunteers, we are so lucky to have so many amazing volunteers. The most exciting part is this is only the start of the success at this club with such a youthful side and some very talented Colts coming through, the future at East Grinstead is incredibly bright.
Matt helped lay the foundations, I’ll never be Matt, he had a unique way about him that always put a smile on everyone’s face, but I’ll always do my best to take what he taught me and grow and develop as a coach and most importantly a person. Thank you to everyone for this season.”
Throughout their final league game of the season, the atmosphere was palpable with the travelling ‘Blue Army’ supporters standing with them, in fine voice for the occasion.
Andy Poole, President, East Grinstead RFC said: “Matt started it all and now we have finished it in his honour and memory.
I would like to congratulate and thank Ryan Morlen (Head Coach), his coaching team and the players for working tirelessly over the last year, to ensure this was possible. Also, a special mention to East Grinstead RFC’s staff, volunteers, supporters and of course to our shirt sponsors; Spartan and Tough Mudder. To be crowned champions is a wonderful reward for the club. Whānau.”
Main Photo – The Harvey’s Sussex 1 Champions, 2021-22, EG1’s celebrate after the final whistle. Picture @ Ben Hardisty Images
