The Demons kicked off the new season with a dramatic away victory away at Rye in a match that had everything, early setbacks, sparkling individual tries and a late winner to seal the points. The team started strongly with some big tackles but Rye struck first and quickly ran in three unanswered tries. Refusing to rollover the Demons mounted a fightback. Riley Horner got them on the board from a quick tap penalty before Jake Pearson addd another weaving through the defence after collision with Clement Ola. Sustained pressure brought a moment of brilliance from Mike Brent who powered over for a solo try. . Thn came a debut to remember for Samuel Gayle finishi g a blistering run down the right wing. Unfortunately the half ended with Reggie Fuller having to leave the field after his relentless work at the breakdown. The match was finely poised at the halftime whistle.
The second half tested the Demons resolveas Rye dominated territory camping inside the Demons 22. Despite courageous defence from the visitors the home team managed to cross twice more. The demons had their own chances but a two on one opportunity was aquandered when the final pass from Gayle to Rees went down. However rugby can be a game of redemption and with the clock ticking down Joe Rees stole the show , reading the game perfectly to pick off an intercept and sprint away for the desicive score. From the tee Alex Ball was near perfect with 5 from 6 the only miss being a long range penalty attempt called by the skipper Joe Carey.
The contest also marked memorable debuts for the Demons.
Teddy Austin - industrious around the park and always a thorn in Rye's side.
Samuel Gayle - Rangy and elusive and a try
Joe Rees - Strong wing play and the winning score
Anthony Topham - an inspirational return to rugby at 50, full of heart
Justin Sanwar - added real spark when cominoff the bench
Darlington Answar - Made an impact with big carries and fierce energy.
Standout contributions came across the pitch with the back rowers , Riley Horner Mike Brent , Clement Ola and Sid Rackley all immense with Sid doing all the unseen work. Will Rowley was solid and dependable. In the backs Stan Tume impreesed in the centre and Will Freeman kept the tempo up at scrum half and supplying Jake Pearson at fly half who showed great leadership . Skipper Joe Carey had to leave the field but Riley stepped up to lead the side with determination.
In the end it was the Demons' resilience and belief that carried them home.
Man of the Match was Max Nissinen-le whose relentless hard running and crunching defensive hits throughout always kept the team in the game.