Men's 2s Journey to Lee Valley Cup Final

How our Men's 2s secured a second National Cup Final in three years. 

The road to Lee Valley is a familiar one for East Grinstead 2s in recent years, having reached two finals in three years. But can they become the first East Grinstead Men's side to bring back that elusive trophy?

The journey got off to a slow start after Crawley conceded in the first round. In the second round, East Grinstead hosted promotion-chasing Sevenoaks 2s, winning on strokes 7-6 after a thrilling match that ended 4-4, with EG coming from behind twice, including from 3-1 and 4-2 deficits.

Next was the now infamous trip to Guernsey, where a comeback victory ensued after going 2-0 down to win 3-2, followed by a Quarterfinal match against Jersey at home, which ended in the same score line. Most recently, a Semi-Final against Southgate 2s saw East Grinstead cruise to a 3-0 win, once again against a side in a higher division.

I don't think the team will mind me saying that the league season was a bit of a disappointment. After missing out on promotion for the last two seasons to Oxted and Aldershot & Farnham, we really wanted to make it ours this year. Unfortunately, we came up against a very strong Guildford 2s side. This has added emphasis to the cup, and the team has grabbed it with both hands.

Looking back at the side that went to Lee Valley at the end of the 2021/22 season, there are plenty of familiar faces, including Jordan Torrilla (c), Jack Edgerton, Wes Jackson, Keith Turner, and Laurence Richards. They are now flanked by a new wave of youngsters, including Freddie Cable, Luka Jones, Freddie Mabey, and Archie Mills. The side has been building throughout the season, with plenty of star performances from a variety of players.

The feeling in the camp is one of calm, but there is an acute awareness that finals do not come around very often, especially at Lee Valley. Experience is invaluable, and with a loss in the final against Banbury on shuffles in 2022, there is hunger within the side to right some wrongs. However, we are fully aware that this will be the mentality that Leek will be employing after losing 4-3 in the final of the Tier 2 cup last year to Tunbridge Wells.

Onto our opponent, Leek 1s. Playing in the Midlands Men's Premier Division and finishing a very reputable third behind the runaway top two of Khalsa Leamington and Repton, they will pose an unknown challenge. However, it's one the team is revelling in, leaving no stone unturned in preparation.

Captain Jordan Torrilla had this to say on the cup run and the final next Sunday "I couldn't be prouder of the team's dedication and loyalty this season. It's remarkable to see how our core of homegrown players, who have only known EG, have bonded so strongly with key additions like Josh Green, Martyn Collins, and Sollie Cook. Our team culture is truly enviable, but what matters most right now are our on-pitch performances. We are determined to bring home the trophy this year. Two years ago, we gave it our all against a much stronger side and we lost in a heart breaking manner. This year, we expect Leek to be just as challenging, but we've prepared ourselves to go that step further."

The support we've received throughout our cup run has been brilliant and has felt like having a twelfth man at Saint Hill. The team would be incredibly grateful if the EG family could turn Lee Valley blue and white on Sunday, 5th May, with flags, drums, and horns, creating a partisan crowd!

- Martyn Collins, Men's 2s

Remember, it's is not allocated seating, HOWEVER we would like EGHC supporters to sit together and we ask that everyone gathers in the block to the LEFT of the tunnel as we are the HOME team. 

Purchase your TICKETS HERE