East Grinstead crowned Champions with 100% record
East Grinstead completed a perfect season with a win over Burgess Hill that sealed their 14th consecutive victory this campaign.
It capped off a historic season for the West Sussex club in which they were crowned Harvey’s Brewery Sussex Division 1 champions with two games to spare.
After the tragic loss of their Head Coach, Police Sergeant Matt Ratana in September 2020, the East Grinstead players were determined to continue Matt’s goal to return to the London leagues and now they find themselves a step closer.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling to win the league in this way,” said First Team Captain Jack Andrews. “When the captains sat down with the coaching staff back in 2020, including Matt Ratana, and were asked ‘what is it we want this squad to achieve?’, we could not have imagined winning this league unbeaten.”
“Seeing our vision come to fruition so soon is not only a very proud moment for the club and the players but is the fulfilment of a dream.”
“This incredible group of players and coaches have been nothing less than inspirational. This is the start of something very special.”
Head Coach pays tribute to Ratana
It’s been a tough season to endure with the loss of such an influential figure at the club in Ratana but the players stepped up to the task.
Head coach Ryan Morlen believes that the future is bright and that the success this season was the result of the groundwork laid by his predecessor.
“Without commitment and camaraderie we wouldn't have been able to go 14 from 14,” said Morlen. “Matt helped lay the foundations, I'll never be Matt, he had a unique way about him that always put a smile on everyone's face, but I'll always do my best to take what he taught me and grow and develop as a coach and most importantly a person.”
“The most exciting part is this is only the start of the success at this club with such a youthful side and some very talented Colts coming through, the future at East Grinstead is incredibly bright.”
Dedicated to late Head Coach
In a fitting tribute to the former Head Coach, Club President Andy Poole dedicated the triumphant season to Ratana and those who supported the club through such a turbulent time.
“Matt started it all and now we have finished it in his honour and memory,” said Poole. “I would like to congratulate and thank Ryan Morlen, his coaching team, the players, the staff, volunteers, and supporters for working tirelessly over the last year, to ensure this was possible. To be crowned champions is a wonderful reward for the club. Whānau."
