Hastings & Bexhill’s Second XV produced plenty of positive attacking rugby in a fiercely physical encounter with Sittingbourne, leading at half-time before the visitors’ forward power ultimately proved decisive in the second period.

H&B started brightly, looking to move the ball early and bring their running game into the contest. Against a sizeable Sittingbourne pack, the home side showed from the outset that they were prepared to play with pace and width.

That approach brought the opening score. A well-worked passage of attacking rugby created the opportunity for Andrew Prince, who beat two defenders before powering over for the try. Lewis Sealy added the conversion to give H&B an early 7–0 advantage.

Sittingbourne soon began to settle into the contest and increasingly looked to their powerful forwards to make ground. H&B defended superbly through a succession of phases, but eventually the pressure told as the visitors found enough space to force their way across. The conversion was missed, leaving H&B narrowly ahead at 7–5.

The response from Hastings & Bexhill was excellent.

Increasing the tempo, H&B began moving the Sittingbourne defence around the field and showed real patience with ball in hand. The ball moved smoothly through the hands, defenders were drawn out of position and Vinnie Harrison finished the move to extend the advantage.

The conversion went wide, but at 12–5 H&B had established a deserved lead.

The remainder of the opening half developed into a hard-fought, physical contest. Both sides enjoyed periods of possession, but neither could find another breakthrough and Hastings & Bexhill headed into half-time in front.

Sittingbourne Turn Up the Pressure

The momentum shifted after the restart.

Sittingbourne began the second half by applying sustained pressure, again using the size and strength of their pack to good effect. H&B worked tirelessly in defence, but the visitors combined their forward game with the conditions, using the wind to their advantage.

Two converted scores followed to turn a 12–5 deficit into a 19–12 Sittingbourne lead.

Despite falling behind, H&B continued to play.

The home side repeatedly worked themselves into promising positions, running excellent support lines and producing some superb offloads in open play. Sittingbourne, however, defended their own line well and made H&B work for every opportunity.

A tactical adjustment and the introduction of George Feeley brought fresh energy and pace. Feeley made an immediate impact, producing excellent offloads around the gain line and helping turn the Sittingbourne defence.

With H&B once again running strong supporting lines, the pressure eventually created the opening for Jake Stinson, who burst through to score and bring Hastings & Bexhill back into the contest.

Sittingbourne, however, were able to add further scores as the second half progressed and eventually secured a 33–17 victory.

The final score did not tell the whole story of a contest in which H&B continued to test their opponents with a fast, ambitious attacking game. Sittingbourne’s well-drilled and powerful pack provided a contrasting challenge, making for an entertaining and uncompromising battle throughout.

Eighty-Minute Shift from the Front Row

Special recognition must go to the entire Hastings & Bexhill front row, who completed the full 80 minutes with no replacements available.

Against a large and physical Sittingbourne pack, that represented a huge shift from the trio and epitomised the work rate shown across the H&B side.

There is plenty for the Second XV to take from the performance. Three well-earned tries, some excellent support play and a willingness to move the ball showed what this side can produce, while the defensive effort and commitment against a powerful opposition provided further positives despite the result.

H&B Try Scorers: Andrew Prince, Vinnie Harrison, Jake Stinson
Conversion: Lewis Sealy
Final Score: Hastings & Bexhill 17–33 Sittingbourne