An interesting strategic match played in a lively spirit, saw H&B secure a league win courtesy of two forward inspired tries from Toby Fielder and Azat Kesen, keeping up their respective scoring averages. Chichester split those tries with an outstanding move of their own, playing through the hands of most of their team for a try in the right hand corner by their man of the match No14. He had a really inspired game, including a try-saving tackle on joint man of the match, Ben Coulsen deep in the second half, which preserved a losing point for the hosts.

Indeed, H&B could have scored at least two more in the second half but Coulsen; secure throughout with high ball and centre Rupert Sheppard, were held up by some excellent tackling when it looked for all the world that they would score. Chichester were kept penned in their half for much of the game including a large proportion of the second half but continued to play through the hands, seeking their wingers to escape a suffocating line speed defence from H&B, with flanker, Monty Wheeler outstanding in the tackle and work around the park. H&B were crisp in their defensive work throughout and worked good field position to make it a very accomplished day out in West Sussex. H&B were accurate in their set piece and the scrum is developing well.

Kai Townsend made an impressive league debut, coming on for injured Harley Willans . He made some marauding carries which sucked in defenders and gave H&B options in their play. In the absence of covid-stricken Finley Davies, Jonah Cowell made a positional change from centre to scrum-half and brought his trade-mark safe hands and vision, mixing up the play astutely. On another day, the back line would have filled their boots. A special thank you to our guests from the newly formed overseas wing of H&B supporters club whose sideline enthusiasm put the rest of us to shame! We hope to see you back very soon.

Hastings & Bexhill RFC are always looking to recruit new players from 5 years old – adult, girls and boys of all abilities. Please see our website www.hastingsrugby.org or email minis.rugby@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.

Written by Sean Woodbridge