Worthing U13 (5) 5 v Hastings & Bexhill U13 (10) 15 - Sunday 13th March 2022 @ 11am

U13s overcome injury setbacks with gritty away win in West Sussex

Losing the entire front row to an eclectic set of injuries (including a Toby Fielder dog bite - it was unclear who bit who), last minute adjustments were implemented and a fine debut afforded to Taylor Beaney at hooker. Any nerves were settled with some precise early scores allowing H&B to repel a ferocious comeback by their hosts, in what proved to be a keenly contested and highly physical league encounter.

Muddy underfoot and sapping strength from the get-go, there was some inevitable knock on’s throughout and the scrum was to play a prominent role at critical moments in the game. Momentum swung to and fro, but the game was absorbing and fitness levels were tested. Credit to all the boys involved.

H&B started brightly and put together a series of crisp, flat passing moves amongst the back line. Fly half, Jonah Cowell exerting quick thinking leadership to his team in attack and putting himself in harm’s way in defence, had a splendid game. One early attack by H&B, seemed for all the world to be the opening try but captain, Will Roberts was snuffed out by committed defence. However, from resulting good field position, fellow centre, Rupert Sheppard, went over on the left hand side, with the hosts defence stretched.

As the physicality grew, Worthing forced H&B back deep into their own territory. However, it was the hosts who were sucker punched by a lightning second score as good hands released winger, Ben Coulson, for an excellently worked long range try in the right hand corner. It was a testament to the visitors ambition in the mud and playing to their own strengths regardless.

Although still in the first half, it was noticeable that the intensity and the playing conditions were forcing regular change in personnel and the bench worked hard for H&B. Knocks to a couple of players tested the depth of the squad (seamless contributions were made by Jared Dobinson and Hayden Gladstone) and newer players made some telling contributions. Well done Max Molton, Tom Webb and starter lock, Harley Willans.

Whether H&B eased off is unclear but at 0-10, Worthing certainly raised their game and noticeably took control in the scrum and tackle area, forcing the visitors back into their own half for the remainder of the half. It was a shame that momentum was so decisive as H&B really had the opportunity to make the game safe. Tackles fell away and H&B were reduced to living off scraps.

Nonetheless, the Worthing try was a rather self inflicted affair. With full-back Monty Wheeler earning a penalty for a turnover on his team’s 5 metre line, H&B were seemingly able to clear their lines. Then disjointed refereeing appeared to allow Worthing a second bite of the cherry. H&B won a further penalty on the next play but tried to run it out and lost possession, leaving Worthing free to run it back and open their scoring. Coach Davies, overseeing a new four strong coaching team, acted decisively by solidifying the pack and H&B saw out the first half without further mishap.

As the pitch cut up further, the second half became a proper arm-wrestle as these two well matched teams continued in their attempts to pass their way to success. Both teams had opportunities but high quality tackling kept the score on a knife-edge. Further turnover work by the impressive Wheeler and alert defensive work by scrum half, Finley Davies prevented certain Worthing scores, with the visitors starting to look jaded.

One last scrummage against the head ten minutes from time, turned the game decisively in H&B’s favour. Finding extra effort, MOTM Azat Kesen, Alex Usher, Louis Turpin, Zane Wickens and Tom Woodbridge decisively won the scrum midway in their own half with Davies and Cowell able to present quick first phase ball to ever predatory Roberts and Sheppard. From there, Coulson was released deep into Worthing territory. Sheppard, providing selfless support, recycled the ball and score his second and the team’s third. It was a testament to their ambition and fitting reward for a fine passage of play. The remaining minutes were played out as the team worked collectively to protect the lead.

Thank you to our hosts for their hospitality and after-match meal/presentation. It is always a pleasure to visit Worthing RFC. Special mention to Fenton Wheeler, for speeding up the tired shower rota with liberal application of Marmite Lynx throughout the changing room!!

Next Sunday we travel to Eastbourne for our final league game of the season and a 11am kick off.

The clubs continues to grow and welcome new players of all ages. Ages 5-11 train Sunday from 9.30am and 12-17 from 11.30am. If you fancy a try out, please come along for a free no-obligation taster session. All welcome. It is still not too late in the season.

Written by Sean Woodbridge.
Photograph by Stella @Yellow Rose Photography

Hastings & Bexhill Rugby Club

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