Hastings & Bexhill U12 Girls produced a superbly committed performance on Sunday, with only a final-minute Uckfield try separating two evenly matched sides in a 20–15 thriller.
From the opening whistle it was clear that neither team was going to give much away. Defence dominated the first quarter, with both sides tackling strongly and making their opponents work for every metre.

The intensity increased further in the second quarter, with a crunching tackle from Daisy setting the tone for another hugely physical passage of rugby.
Uckfield eventually found the first breakthrough after capitalising on an H&B knock-on and crossing in the corner.

The response was immediate.

From the restart, Hastings & Bexhill put Uckfield under pressure, won possession back at the ruck and moved quickly onto the attack. Layla found Tilly, who released Daisy to cross for H&B's first try, bringing the scores level.

There was plenty to encourage the coaches at the set piece too. The new-look front row of Flo, Georgia and Hettie gave H&B a real advantage at scrum time. Georgia was particularly impressive with her contested hooking, helping Hastings & Bexhill win three scrums against the head. When Uckfield did break through, Lottie repeatedly came to H&B's rescue with some outstanding last-ditch defence. Her determination prevented several dangerous attacks from turning into points.

The sides reached half-time locked together at 5–5.

The defensive intensity continued after the restart before Hastings & Bexhill produced one of the moments of the match. A well-timed pass from Layla put Daisy onto the ball and she powered towards the Uckfield line. Despite the attention of several defenders, Daisy refused to be stopped, carrying them with her as she crossed for a brilliant second try.
H&B led 10–5, but Uckfield responded and eventually drew level after taking advantage of another handling error. The final quarter became a hugely competitive battle as both teams continued to tackle and defend with real commitment.

Tilly added H&B's third try, but with virtually nothing separating the teams, the contest remained alive until the closing moments. Unfortunately for Hastings & Bexhill, it was Uckfield who found the final breakthrough, crossing in the last minute to secure a 20–15 victory.
It was a tough way for H&B to lose such a closely fought game, but there was a huge amount to take from the performance.

Sunday also saw River make her H&B debut, settling into the side impressively and playing with confidence in her first outing with the team.

Hallie was named Coaches' Player following an excellent performance. Having stepped up from the U11s this season, she showed how much progress she has already made, transferring what she has been learning in training into a competitive match.

Daisy received the Players' Player award from Uckfield Hurricanes, recognition for an outstanding all-round display which included two tries and a major contribution defensively.

The 20–15 scoreline ultimately went Uckfield's way, but this was another significant performance from a developing H&B side. Strong tackling, an increasingly effective scrum and the determination to compete until the final whistle gave the girls plenty to build on.
And after such a physical contest, both teams were able to enjoy the best of grassroots rugby afterwards — pizza together in the sunshine.

Final score: Uckfield Hurricanes 20–15 Hastings & Bexhill
H&B tries: Daisy (2), Tilly
Coaches' Player: Hallie
Players' Player: Daisy
Next fixture: H&B U12 Girls v Crowborough — Sunday 18 October, 10am, home.