The final game of the season has arrived, The Bulldogs take on The Pirates in the county cup final.
Who'd have thought back in the summer of 2016 when the "return to rugby" scheme started that come the end of the season the Bulldogs would not only have won the Community league but also reach a county cup final, all in their 1st season ?

Having beaten Newick and then Burgess Hill on the way, The Bulldogs found themselves facing a Hastings side who received byes all the way to the final.

Having trained regulary all season, Crawley were upbeat although apprehensive knowing very little about Hastings & Bexhill.
By kick off the team were understandably nervous, for what was probably their biggest game....... even for the most experienced players in the squad.

The game kicked off in front of a large and loud crowd, and it was Crawley who started the better team, making early inroads into the H&B defence they were justly rewarded with a try from flanker Alex Saul and converted by flyhalf Neil Fitzpatrick
Hasting came straight back and scored an unconverted try.

A very evenly matched game saw both sides constantly attack each other with some great crash balls and good tactical kicks.
Just before half time Crawley worked a lovely line out move and the subsequent rolling maul saw Crawley crash over the line with scrum half Grant Woolard getting the ball down, Crawley went in at half time 7 points ahead, but they knew this wouldn't be enough.

The 2nd half started much the same as the first but it seemed Crawley were starting to get hold of the game as winger Ollie Tyson made one of his trademark sprints down the wing to give Crawley their 3rd try of the game.

Hastings weren't done yet though, they pegged Crawley back in their own 22, forcing errors and gaining penalty advantages, and despite some valiant defending by the Bulldogs, Hastings managed to score under the posts for a converted try.

Crawley sensing that victory was in sight, started to dominate and outside centre Jack Nell scored his very first try for the club, at this point a special mention should go to Jack for his defensive work including a try saving touchline tackle !

With the clock running down, there was just enough time for Ollie Tyson to get his 2nd try of the game after showing the Hastings defence his heals !

This game was played in fantastic spirit from start to finish and the Pirates are a credit to their club.

The game was won, the final whistle sounded and jubilant scenes aplenty as Crawley celebrated a fitting end to a wonderful season !
Crawley skipper Dave Bevan had the honour of being the first Crawley Captain in 33 years to lift a knockout cup trophy.
Special thanks must go to Coach Steve Silver who over the course of the season has turned a ramshackle bunch of old vets and complete newbies into league and cup double winners !