H&B Take a Giant Step Towards League Satety

A hard fought but much deserved win on Saturday afternoon saw Hastings and Bexhill RFC ease away from the relegation zone. With two games left to play the drop is still a mathematical possibility; if the results of others go against us. But, after this well earned win demotion to the Kent Leagues would appear to be very unlikely.

Fielding a team showing several enforced changes of personnel and position; the game started with both teams struggling for control. Hastings opened the scoring with a well taken penalty from Tom Waring. Ryan Foord increased the lead with a try that the centre converted. Flying winger Tim Sills added to his seasons tally with another well made try. Stash Maltby standing in at scrum half was distributing the well to his back line and they made several penetrating runs into the Lewes defence.

Lewes reduced the lead with a well executed and converted try of their own; they played well and caused the home defence some problems; but great tackles from Chaz Ackerely, Jack Jones and Frazer McManus saved the day.

Adam Baker; making a welcome return from university, scored a great try with a brilliant solo effort. Unfortunately, in so doing he injured his shoulder and had to be replaced by Joe Field. Baker's try was converted making the half time score 22 - 7.

The second half continued in much the same vein. H&B were in control of the game and although not coasting they were never in real danger of losing. Calvin Crosby-Clarke scored the all important bonus point try which Waring converted. Steve McManus was sin binned, this brought Tony Roche back into play, he had previously been replaced by Jacob McDonagh in the front row. Waring completed the scoring with another penalty making the final score 32-7.

Next week H&B travel to Park House and then to Bromley the following week. Any points they can pick up during these games will ensure Division 3 survival which has always been the target for this season.

Match report by Peter Knight.