Horsham U15s v Hastings & Bexhill U15s

HASTINGS & BEXHILL UNDER 15s FRIENDLY vs HORSHAM RUFC U15s

The Hastings & Bexhill Under 15s took to the field on a cold and wet day to face new opposition in the form of Horsham Under 15s for a friendly fixture. Although there were some notable absences, it was testimony once more to the strength of H & B that the coaches were able to select a strong team.

As the referee blew his whistle for the start of the match, Horsham kicked to H & B who were unfortunately still considering the start of the game and managed to pick up their own kick-off uncontested. Although impressive back row Monty Wheeler managed to win the ball at a break-down, it was not long before Horsham won the ball back to run past the sleeping H & B defence to score a try in the corner and take a very early lead. Sadly, captain Toby Fielder was also injured and had to sit out the majority of the game from the side-lines.

H & B executed an excellent restart and chased down their kick to put pressure on Horsham, win the ball back and exert pressure on the Horsham defensive line. H & eventually won a penalty which was sensibly kicked to touch, setting up an attacking line-out within 5 metres of the Horsham try-line. An excellent line-out routine gave scrum-half Finley Davies quick ball who could release his backs in a well rehearsed move to release centre Louis Turpin to score between the posts for Jonah Cowell to convert and give H & B a 5-7 lead. Barely five minutes had passed and a template had been set for an engaging and entertaining game had been established.

Horsham started to dominate possession, benefitting from a physically larger team and H & B had to exhibit real resilience and organisation in defence. It is testimony to the coaches focus on improving this aspect of the H & B that even whilst conceding the majority of possession, the try-line was rarely threatened and the scrum was solid even whilst being at a considerable weight disadvantage. With a few minutes to go until half-time, Horsham finally won a scrum against the head and were able to move the ball through the backs who outnumbered the defenders. Horsham scored an unconverted try in the corner and subsequently led 10-7 at half-time.

The resumption of the game saw a further deterioration in the weather and the ball was more like a lump of soap than a rugby ball. The handling skills of both teams were tested and maintaining possession became increasingly difficult. The excellent referee and skillful players from both sides ensured that the game continued to be an enthralling encounter.

As the second half wore on, H & B began to dominate the physical battle; dominating the tackle count and demonstrating greater speed at the ruck. Quick thinking by Wheeler at a scrum saw him pick-up, spot a gap in the previously solid Horsham defence and score in the corner. Although the conversion was missed, H & B now had a well-deserved 10-12 lead.

As the weather worsened and fatigue began to set in for both sets of players the error count began to mount. The game was increasingly played around the half-way line and there were multiple scrums. Horsham started to dominate what little open play took place, yet the H & B defence seemed impenetrable, and the game was about to drift to the end. However, one final play led to yet another Horsham attack that capitalised on a couple of missed tackles from a tiring defence to touch down and grasp victory at the very last 15-12 to Horsham.

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