Surrounded by thunderclouds and lightning, Broad Walk stood defiant—bathed in sunshine like a beacon of calm in a chaotic sky. The scene was set for a clash of resilience and redemption as Charlton Park looked to bounce back from a bruising defeat to Heathfield & Waldron.

A Rocky Start

Both sides had their share of pre-match drama. Cranbrook arrived bereft of several players who choose furrows over footwork at a ploughing competition. Park weren’t spared either—Josh Fenn phoned in sick (get well soon, Josh), and Oskar Sledak was delayed in traffic. Reion Raybe was summoned mid-weights session to bolster the bench.

Positional reshuffles saw Kori Iliesa slot into the back row, James Clifford shift to the wing, Jordan Guy move to hooker, and debutant Aniket Paul take up centre duties. Joabe Biautubu and Sam Spriddell also made their first appearances in Park colours.

First Half: Sparks Fly

Park started brightly, dominating territory and possession. Early surges from Clifford and Millennium Leota hinted at promise, but composure eluded the final touch.

On 14 minutes, Cranbrook capitalised on a turnover, spinning the ball wide for a well-worked try under the posts. Conversion good.
0–7 Cranbrook

Park responded swiftly. A lineout led to a 30m snipe from Conor Lane, stopped just short. From the penalty, Kori Iliesa powered over. Conversion missed.
5–7 Cranbrook

Park’s backs dazzled. Reion Raybe, long-time twinkle-toes, may have met his match in Izy Matea—whose sidesteps, kicks, and elusive runs lit up the field. Millennium Leota continued his rampaging runs, battering through defenders like a wrecking ball.

No further score before the break.
HT: 5–7 Cranbrook

Second Half: Momentum Swings

Park struck early after the restart. Spriddell sliced through midfield, offloading to James Hamilton who galloped close. George Crick finished the move. Conversion good.
12–7 Park

But the lead was short-lived. Park eased off, and Cranbrook surged. A try-saving tackle from Jordan Elias on 47 minutes was heroic but costly—he left the field injured.

On 50 minutes, Cranbrook tapped a free kick and scored in the corner. Conversion nailed from the touchline.
12–14 Cranbrook

Eight minutes later, their big centre crashed over after sustained pressure. Conversion missed.
12–19 Cranbrook

Final Push

Park roared back, camping in Cranbrook’s half for the final 20 minutes. Matea and Paul danced through defenders, Leota kept smashing through, and the forwards ground out metres. A yellow card for Cranbrook’s deliberate knock-on added fuel to the fire.

With seconds left, Park were awarded a penalty. George Crick took the tap and burrowed under the posts. Matea’s nervy conversion just crept over.
19–19

The whistle blew. A draw—but one that felt like unfinished business.

Post-Match Notes

Coach Shae Tucker summed it up:

“We absolutely dominated the match. We need to work on the Red Zone attack. But we’ll get that sorted. Congratulations to the players.”

Player of the Match: James Hamilton
Honourable mentions: Conor Lane, Sam Spriddell, Felix Marot (captain courageous).

The crowd, asked pre-match to back the boys, did so with gusto—so much so that the referee asked Felix to quieten them down mid-game.

What’s Next

Thanks to the RFU, Park now enjoy a two-week break.
Gym Monday, training Wednesday (TBC).
Next fixture: Crowborough (A) Saturday 4 October 2025