The Bandits’ first home match of the season had everything, borrowed players, a hooker with afterburners, and enough tries to fill a highlights reel. Top of the Kent Met and keen to stay there, the lads welcomed Croydon RFC, mysterious new arrivals from the Surrey leagues.
Croydon arrived with 12, so under “game on” rules the Bandits could keep 15, drop numbers, or play Good Samaritans. We chose to be gentlemen, loaned them two bodies, and kicked off 14 v 14. Spirit of rugby, tick.
Newly appointed Captain James Pierson set the tone inside ten minutes, slicing through midfield and dotting down under the sticks. Soon after, a thundering carry from our rampaging front rower stretched the defence and the ball zipped wide for Cormac McMahon to finish. Croydon’s pack ran hard and earned one back after a stack of direct phases.
Then came the showreel. Second row turned prop Andrew Wylie channelled his inner Cheslin Kolbe, popped up on the wing, and finished in the corner like he does it every week. From the restart, our front row powerhouse decided physics was optional, bounced through about four tacklers, engaged turbo, and sprinted clear for try of the day. Half time score, 28 to 7.
The second half brought more oomph. Debutants Tom Bullen and Charlie Shaw carried like runaway shopping trolleys, the scary fast kind, pinning Croydon deep. Cormac shrugged off his marker for his second, then Tom grabbed a deserved score for his relentless support play. Croydon rallied behind their standout prop and crossed over again.
Cue the hat trick, slick hands from Danny Ryan freed Cormac, who hit the gas and completed his treble. The returning David Thompson then marked his comeback with a well-taken try of his own. Croydon, apparently playing last try wins, produced some of their best stuff late on to close the day with a flourish.
Final score, Bandits 52 to 21. It felt tighter than the numbers, the difference was our ruthlessness in their 22 and a few moments of pure nonsense brilliance.
Debut shout outs to Tom Bullen and George Callow, with Man of the Match Charlie Shaw for a debut that looked suspiciously like he had been here for years. Likely a last outing too for Bandits stalwart James Bonsor, we will be sad to see him go. Rugby won, vibes immaculate, unbeaten run intact.
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