Charlton Park delivered the perfect response to last week’s disappointment, producing a performance brimming with heart, hunger and hard-edged rugby to claim a fully deserved 26–15 victory over Crowborough. If seven days ago supporters were shaking their heads, this week they were shaking hands, slapping backs and revelling in what felt like a statement win.

The transformation was remarkable. Whether it was the return to a 2pm kick-off, the kit change, the magic sponge, or simply a collective reset, Park played with a clarity and conviction that had been missing. What stood out above all was the attitude: grit, organisation, controlled aggression, and a mindset that refused to bend.

Early dominance sets the tone

From the opening whistle, Park were on the front foot. The scrum was immense—authoritative, destructive, and a platform for everything that followed. Lineouts were sharp, the breakdown was contested with venom, and the backline played with pace and purpose.

On eight minutes, that pressure told. A beautifully judged kick to touch from Shae Tucker forced Crowborough into trouble. Their clearance ballooned skyward, Oswell Bury claimed it with trademark calm, fed captain Felix Marot, and Joabe Biautubu finished the job by powering over. 5–0.

Reion Raybe then danced his way through half the Crowborough defence, only to be halted just short. Park were purring.

Crowborough hit back

A charged-down clearance gifted Crowborough a soft try on 15 minutes, and with the conversion added, Park suddenly found themselves behind despite their dominance.

But the defence stiffened. A Crowborough maul looked destined for the line until Park got bodies under the ball. Moments later, the referee—who had a busy afternoon—sent Harry Crabtree to the bin for a baffling yellow. Even so, Park’s 14 men held firm, repelling wave after wave.

A Crowborough penalty nudged them ahead 10–5, but Park weren’t done.

Captain’s moment before the break

On the stroke of half-time, quick thinking changed the game. Crowborough switched off at a penalty, Mellennium charged forward, another penalty followed, and Felix Marot reacted fastest—tapping, darting and scoring. Conversion good. Park led 12–10 at the break, and deservedly so.

Second half: resilience and ruthlessness

Park came out firing. Tucker broke the line, Fenn thundered through contact, and Raybe was bundled into touch inches short.

Then came controversy. Crowborough, retreating rapidly at a scrum, somehow escaped sanction and swung the ball wide to score in the corner. 15–12 to the visitors.

But Park didn’t blink.

On 59 minutes, Josh Fenn looked to have scored but was ruled held up. Minutes later, Felix Marot—who had been immense—made a barnstorming run into the 22 before being taken high. No penalty, and worse, he left the field injured.

Park take control

On 67 minutes, the breakthrough came. A dominant scrum, slick service from Bury, and Fenn smashed through defenders to score near the posts. Conversion good. Park back in front, 19–15.

The kick-and-chase game was superb all afternoon, and on 72 minutes Crabtree’s pressure forced a goal-line stand. George Crick nearly burrowed over, stopped inches short.

Bonus point brilliance

Deep into stoppage time, Park sealed the win in style. Crowborough stole a lineout but hesitated. Tucker pounced, ripped the ball, and from halfway he was gone—shrugging off tackles, accelerating clear, and diving over for a sensational solo try. Conversion good. 26–15. Game over.

Post-match reflections

Captain Felix Marot summed it up simply:
“Can’t fault it. Heart, big performances, outstanding, brought physicality. Can’t ask for more.”

Shae Tucker added that it was the first week in a month without distractions—no Christmas parties, no interruptions—and training had been sharp. The players were determined to put things right after the Cranbrook disappointment, and they delivered.

Player of the Match

On a day full of standout performances, anyone in the starting XV could have walked away with the Player of the Match award. The collective effort was that strong. But in the end, the honour went to Oswell Bury, whose outstanding display at full-back combined safe hands, sharp decision-making, and relentless defensive work. His composure under pressure and ability to spark attacks from deep made him a constant threat and a worthy recipient.

Next up

Saturday 24 January – Home vs Sevenoaks
Momentum is building. The belief is back. And Charlton Park look ready to make 2026 their year.