H & B U15s VS WORTHING U15S

The Under 15s took to the pitch at home to a Worthing team they had enjoyed some entertaining and close games with over previous seasons. This was a match that fulfilled these expectations. H & B once more managed to demonstrate the strength of their squad by fielding a very strong team regardless of missing some influential players.

H & B kicked off with the wind at their backs and intention of utilising this advantage. As predicted an arm wrestle of a match ensued with determined defences and space out wide limited. The two teams tested each other out, but H & B enjoyed better territory early as they used the breeze well. This was exemplified by full back Ben Coulson chasing his attacking kicks to great effect and move H & B on to attack. Resilient defence by Worthing snuffed out this attacking threat however. H & B continued to benefit in terms of possession and territory aided in part from indiscipline in the Worthing ranks as they infringed in the ruck.

Worthing altered their game plan and became more direct releasing their dangerous inside centre and rampaging prop. Furthermore, increased speed at the breakdown from Worthing stared to reap rewards as the balance of play tipped in their favour and they looked increasingly dangerous in attack, threatening the H & B try line. An effective exit strategy led to a good counter attack by H & B as they ran through the phases up to the half way line. More indiscipline and some back chat from Worthing proved costly as this gave enough territory for scrum half Rupert Sheppard to find touch inside the Worthing 22. William Roberts converted the kick to give H & B a well-deserved lead.

After the restart, Worthing continued their effective, direct game and continued to edge the rucks with efficient recycling of the paper and good lines being taken by the runners. Despite some strong tacking from H & B, Worthing managed to score a converted try to level the game just before the half-time whistle.

Worthing resumed their direct running early in the second half and started to once more make ground. There was a lucky escape for H & B as a Worthing player generously passed forward to his team mate when he could have scored a try himself. This was a brief reprieve however as a similar move led to another breach in the H & B defence soon after to score a converted try and take Worthing into the lead.

H & B improved shortly after and the game turned into a fiercely competitive arm wrestle were the defences were dominant and physicality of both teams high. Influential Roberts had to leave the field, but the tackle count by H & remained incredibly high and man of the match Shephard marshalled his team well from scrum half. Slowly, H & B started to win the small battles and with time running out there was the opportunity for one more attack as H & B threatened the Worthing try line in the last play, however a rare penalty at the break down allowed Worthing to clear and claim the win.

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.

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