Hastings & Bexhill U13s secured their first victory of the season on Sunday, producing an impressive response to an early Eastbourne score to claim a 30–15 win over their local rivals.
After defeat to Worthing in their opening fixture, H&B were looking to get their league campaign up and running, but it was Eastbourne who struck first following a competitive opening passage of play.

A dominant scrum provided an excellent platform for the home side, while the backs made full use of the possession being generated up front. H&B ran in four unanswered tries before the interval, with James Thomas crossing from centre, Louie Roots adding another from No.8 and dynamic centre Benji Pocock scoring twice. Eastbourne continued to apply pressure, but some determined H&B defence repeatedly kept the visitors out. There was also an important milestone for the Hastings forwards, who faced their first truly competitive scrummaging contest of the season. The entire pack responded superbly, working as a unit and establishing a clear advantage at the set piece.

H&B went into half-time with a deserved 20–5 lead.

There was no let-up when play resumed. Henry French struck almost immediately after the kick-off, with the winger's try extending H&B's advantage and maintaining the momentum established during the opening half. The standout attacking moment, however, was still to come. Captain and prop Cooper Pickup finished a superb team move in which every H&B player contributed. The ball moved through the side during an excellent passage of broken-field rugby before Pickup finished the move to take Hastings & Bexhill to 30 points.

It was a try that summed up much of what had gone well for H&B — forwards and backs combining, players supporting one another and the whole team contributing to the attack.
Eastbourne refused to go quietly. A competitive local derby became increasingly feisty at times, particularly around the scrum, and the visitors were rewarded for their persistence with two further tries. Hastings & Bexhill had done enough, though, closing out the match to secure a 30–15 victory and their first win of the season. It was an encouraging all-round performance, built on an excellent effort from the forward pack, some exciting attacking rugby from the backs and determined defence when Eastbourne applied pressure.

Players of the Match
Coaches' Forward: Reggie Hall
Coaches' Back: Henry French
H&B Players' Player: Benji Pocock
Eastbourne Players' Player: Tom

A big thank you to the coaches, managers and referee who made the fixture possible, and to Eastbourne for a competitive and well-spirited game.

Congratulations to the entire U13 squad on getting their first win of the campaign on the board.

H&B try scorers: James Thomas, Louie Roots, Benji Pocock (2), Henry French, Cooper Pickup
Final score: Hastings & Bexhill 30–15 Eastbourne

Original match report: Maximilian Rawlings
Match notes: Hayley Rawlings
Photography: Claire Morley