Junior Rugby back at H&BRFC with a bang

Hastings & Bexhill RFC U13 35 (20) v Brighton U13 10 (5)

Sunday 19th September 2021 @ 1pm

The U13’s kicked off their season with a friendly against a strong Brighton team. Will Roberts captained from inside centre and impressive new recruit, Louis Turpin debuted in the second row. There was a good crowd present and the rain stayed away. After Covid had truncated the U12 season, the game was played in a tremendous spirit and good sportsmanship throughout.

The early minutes were a cagey affair between two well matched teams. Hastings had the early initiative and in defence, Louis Turpin was a prominent presence, making several shuddering tackles.

The game finally came to life when scrum half, Finley Davies picked up a loose ball from an attacking scrum and nipped through a static Brighton defence to open the scoring. The pace noticeably quickened thereafter, and Hastings soon had their second try after good work in midfield, allowed Rupert Sheppard to break through the Brighton defence with his trademark double-step and finish unopposed.
Brighton responded with a good try of their own, being first to a loose ball and scoring in the far corner. Hastings regrouped and soon restored their ten point lead. Good pressure by the Hastings forwards and backs in tandem, allowed the excellent Rupert Sheppard to get his second predatory try of the match.

Straight from the resultant Brighton kick-off, Hastings worked a good return and strong running allowed Zane Wickens to add a fourth and cap a very impressive first half for the U13’s.

Coaches Roger Roberts & Ben Davies shuffled his pack at half-time, allowing all his squad precious minutes. The second half began with good pressure from Brighton, but excellent tacking, in particular from front row, Teddie Selfe allowed Hastings to stand firm. The U13’s were eventually able to get back into their opponent’s half and having made progress down the left hand side they were able to score their fifth. Good hands through the backs but particularly, by Monty Wheeler and Rupert Sheppard allowed Alex Usher to pop up on the overlap for an excellent team score.

It soon became 30 points, when another series of recycled moves from influential Will Roberts and fly half Jonah Cowell allowed full back, Monty Wheeler to score in the right corner. Brighton continued to show great heart and application and came back strongly to score their second try of the game. The last word in the match however, stayed with Hastings. Having stopped another Brighton foray down their own left side, Monty Wheeler ripped the ball in the loose and proceeded to score a marvellous length of the field try in the opposite corner. This capped a very good opening win for Hastings U13’s, who begin their league campaign next month. We wish them well.

PS. Hastings & Bexhill RFC are always looking to recruit boys and girls of all ages and abilities. Please see our website www.hastingsrugby.org for more information. Hastings & Bexhill RFC prides itself on a warm welcome to all. Come and have a free, no obligation try out.