U15s H&B v Hove

H & B Under 15s took to the field on a cold overcast day on Remembrance Sunday after a beautifully observed minute silence. Games between the two sides had previously been close and even with a reshuffled backline due to the absence of Rupert Sheppard and Jonah Cowell there was much optimism in advance of the start. A debut was given to promising new-comer Keiron Robinson on the wing in front of an enthusiastic and loyal home following for H & B.

Hove kicked-off and the ball was immediately dropped by the recipient, a foreboding taste of what was to come in an unusually error-strewn half for H & B. Hove exhibited clinical handling and managed to move the home defence, creating gaps which they could exploit to make ground consistently. Some stout defensive resilience by H & B repulsed an early attack, but they found it difficult to progress into their opponent’s half as the team coughed up possession for Hove to maintain early pressure. Eventually a combination of continuous pressure and repeated errors by H & B led to the opening try after over-ambition deep inside their half gave the ball to Hove’s dangerous backline to score in the corner and give them the lead with an unconverted try.

Now was the time for H & B to shake-off the slow start that they had currently displayed. Straight from the restart, H & B put pressure on the recipient and dynamic forward Azat Kesen stole the ball back to put H & B on the attack. Alas, this was short-lived and another error with the ball meant that was a short-lived attack as possession was kicked away, resulting in another clinical move by Hove to score between the posts for a converted try to extend their lead further to 0-12.

The subsequent restart was penalised for not travelling 10 metres, which gave Hove another attacking platform on the half-way line. The initial advance by Hove was well defended and prop Alex Usher emerged with the ball from a ruck, but again he ball was burgled by Hove on the half-way line and another fluid move created space for a well-executed try between the posts for another converted try for the away team.

The next restart was a case of déjà vu as the ball travelled just short of the required 10 metres. Such fine margins are important at this level and another Hove attack was unleashed. A great step by the Hove centre created a gap in the H & B defence which was exploited and even though the defence was once more gallant on the try-line, Hove were granted a penalty shot on half-time after some confusion amongst the home team when executing their exit strategy. The penalty was successful, with Hove leading 0-22 at half-time.

After firm words and guidance from the H & B coaches at half-time, the home team were more aggressive in defence and started to impose themselves more on the game. Quicker line speed, decision making and improved handling resulted in a much more even contest that ebbed and flowed. H & B showed more attacking endeavour when flanker Monty Wheeler nearly ran the length of the pitch to set up a promising attack that was repulsed by some last ditch defending from Hove and the ball was eventually once more dropped. The resulting counter-attack showed the difference between the two combatants over the game as Hove executed a simple, but effective move that involved most of the team to score in the corner to take the lead to 0-27.

There was a final flurry as H & B dominated the last few minutes as frustration gave the H & B team an edge an dominant physicality which was mostly on the right-side of the law. This style allowed the team to make use of the forwards who could create space for the backs to punch holes. Alas, the ball was dropped once more at the end which was perhaps a fitting end for a bad day at the office for H & B.

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 Philip Usher