U15s take over H&B for the day

HASTINGS & BEXHILL RFC UNDER 15s FESTIVAL OF RUGBY

The Hastings & Bexhill ground looked resplendent in warm spring sunshine and eager volunteers were ready to welcome seven teams to the second under-15s festival of rugby. As the coaches headed to their briefing, any visitor would have been impressed by the kaleidoscope of colour, loud buzz of anticipation and view from the ground over historic Hastings & the tranquil sea beyond. All of the players participated in a group photograph to mark the occasion and mingled in the true spirit of rugby.

The teams were organised into two pools of four teams where they would play each other in a round-robin format. The first matches to kick off were Cranbrook vs Westcombe Park in Pool 2 and in Pool 1 H & B against Dartford Valley; a team they had yet to face. Both games were fiercely competitive, which was a pattern that emerged throughout the day. Westcombe Park took an early lead, yet dogged defence and a very effective kicking game from Cranbrook meant that the game went to the wire with Westcombe Park prevailing in the end. Similarly neither team could break down the other in a cagey opening between H & B and Dartford Valley. However, H & B started to control the gain line and scored two tries and take control of the game to win despite Dartford Valley’s last play consolation try.

The remaining teams were able to compete in the second round of games. In Pool 1 the previous year’s runners up Tonbridge Juddians played Brighton who had been unbeaten all season in their league TJ.s put in a very impressive performance to score four tries, dominating in most areas, despite Brighton’s size advantage and robust playing style. Brighton did manage to power over for a try, but the victory went to TJs. In Pool 2 Sevenoaks outplayed Hove to win their game. This was a hard fought victory, however due to a brilliantly organised and determined Hove defence.

The next set of games saw H & B facing a confident TJs side. H & B were caught warming-up still by some excellent direct running from their forwards who were able to score three tries before half-time. The second half was far more competitive with H & B making their trademark comeback scoring two tries quickly after the restart only to concede again to allow TJs to stretch their lead and take a deserved victory and remain unbeaten in the pool. In Pool 2 Sevenoaks played Cranbrook which proved to be an incredibly tense and close match. The two different styles of play were interesting to watch as Cranbrook’s counter-attacking and defensive organisation nullified Sevenoak’s more open style. The tactical battle ended in an enthralling deadlock as both teams emerged with a draw.

The fourth set of games were as compelling as any of the others. In Pool 1, Dartford Valley squeezed past Brighton by one try. The match in Pool 2 between Westcombe Hove looked like it was going to be equally close as an early Westcombe Park try was equalised. The possession Westcombe Park enjoyed and pressure they were able to exert over the rest of the match on a now tiring Hove team meant that they ran out fairly comfortable winners in the end.

As the pool stage entered the penultimate round of matches, the league standings were starting to emerge, but with much yet to decide TJs kicked off against Dartford Valley for their last game in Pool 1. By now, unbeaten and free-scoring TJs team were in the ascendancy and managed to score five unanswered tries to end the pool stage unbeaten and in first place. In Pool 2 Westcombe Park took on Sevenoaks in yet another low scoring, yet compelling match in which every player gave their all. This match was so tight that the result was yet another draw as both teams only managed to breach the opposition defence once to score a try apiece.

The final set of matches in the pool game saw H & B play out a close game with both Sussex teams desiring the inevitable bragging rights & confidence a win would bring to the league fixture next year. A game that ebbed and flowed saw H & B taking a 10-0 lead into half-time. This is a relatively small lead to defend and with injuries to H & B starting to put pressure on the squad size and fitness levels of their players, Brighton scored a try that they managed to convert and bring the game to within 3 points. With the clock ticking down and Brighton putting pressure on a tiring H & B defence, tension was mounting. However the home team managed to hold on for a win and secure second place in Pool 1. The final game in Pool 2 between Hove & Cranbrook went to the latter who had improved throughout the tournament and although finishing third in the pool were becoming a considerable force to contend with.

As the dust settled on the pool stages and the scores were verified, the coaching teams once more gave inspirational advice to tired players, supporters enjoyed the hospitality of the club house and feasted upon the barbecue. The sea breeze picked up and the festival finals were called as everyone set themselves up for an exciting finale.

The third place play-offs were between Cranbrook and Dartford Valley. Cranbrook established an early lead by scoring two tries in relatively quick succession and were three to the good by half-time. Dartford Valley stuck in and scored a converted consolation try, but Cranbrook emerged victorious.

The second place play-off was between the hosts H & B and Sevenoaks. H & B started the stronger of the two teams and scored a breakaway try to score a converted try and went on to dominate much of the play in the first half. Sevenoaks managed to score a try late in the half and set off alarm bells amongst the home team as the whistle was blown for half-time. Another length of the pitch run resulted in H & B stretching the lead once more however a comedy series of ricochets during a H & B attack handed the ball to Sevenoaks who were able to capitalise on the chaos and score and bring the score back to within 2 points. Like the previous game, fatigue started to sink into H & B and Sevenoaks were able to score two more tries and win.

A battle royal ensued for first place took place between the two remaining unbeaten teams TJs and Westcombe Park. Although tired, both teams played with an energy and skill level that demonstrated why they were playing this particular match. Westcombe Park took an early lead, yet incurring injuries in the process and had to reduce the number of players on the pitch. Age-related rules meant that this had to be reciprocated by TJs and the match was played by both teams playing with 13. There was more space on the pitch, which TJs managed to exploit and set up a grandstand finish. During the last passage of play, TJs surrendered the ball for Westcombe Park to score a dramatic last ditch try and emerge as victor pricipalalis eventus.

In reflection, as windburnt helpers tidied away and trophies were awarded to the victors, the most important thing was the camaraderie and sportsmanship on display & the memories that were created.

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