HASTINGS & BEXHILL UNDER 16S VS LEWES (AWAY)

The arrival of autumnal weather set the scene appropriately for the final pre-season friendly of the season. A competitive Hastings and Bexhill under 16 team visited Lewes for the match and were able to include a slew of new players experiencing a full debut including Jamie Clark, Harrison Miller, Charlie Perez, and Oliver Jamieson

Lewes kicked off a match of three ‘halves’ and H & B were able to demonstrate an edge in physicality and ambition throughout the early passages of play. Back row Toby Fielder managed an early line break and was able to cross the gain line almost at will at times. H & B were lively at the breakdown and made a willing Lewes defensive line retreat. It seemed that early season errors may prevent H & B from cashing in on their territorial advantage. However, an interception followed by excellent passing created the freedom and space for the ever dangerous Monty Wheeler to sprint through a gap and touch down between the posts for a try. This was converted by fly half William Roberts.

Lewes adapted their game after the restart with their talented half backs employing a kicking strategy. This negated H & Bs physical advantage and Lewes now started win the territorial battle. Although H & B defended well, pressure eventually told when Lewes scored from a goal-line out was instantly returned by Lewes to score a converted try in the last play of the ‘half’.

Despite several changes made by the H & B coaching team, the resumption of play was almost a carbon copy of the first. H & B’s aggression & pace meant that Lewes were unable to exit their half. Back row Fielder was able to pick up a loose ball and score between the posts for a try which was again converted by Roberts to regain the lead 7-14.

Lewes attacked with more intent, but captain Azat Kesen ripped the ball and released an effective counterattack that went through several phases. From an attacking scrum Kesen was to score in the corner and extend the lead further in H & Bs favour to 7-19.

Lewes backline continually proved to be dangerous in possession and possessed pace, power and variation in attack. A couple of missed tackles by H & B allowed Lewes to capitalise and score a converted try which brought the scores back to 14-19.

The game became a little scrappy at this point and an attritional battle ensued. Captain Kesen was able to rip a ball off a Lewes defender and released Roberts to nearly score. Wheeler was on hand to pick up the pieces and scored an uncontested try. The lead was once more extended to 10 points.

Lewes almost instantly replied however as it was their turn to rip the ball and release their winger who ran a beautiful arc that negated the H & B defensive line to score a converted try which brought an end to the second ‘half’ and bring back the difference to 3 points.

The third ‘half’ proved to be another exciting try-fest. Lewes kicked off once more and the pattern of the previous periods of play once more resumed with H & B going through the phases and winning the breakdowns & Lewes trying to be a little more expansive and employ a kicking game. A little niggle emerged between the two teams. Key refereeing decisions did not go H & Bs way, which led to some indiscipline amongst the ranks. The final third swung Lewes’ way due to this and some good play by them. The first blow came when Lewes stole the ball deep in H & B territory to release H & B’s Usher to score against his own team having been pressed into service for the opposition. Lewes were now in the lead for the first time in the match. Some interesting refereeing and good play meant Lewes scored another converted try and extend their lead further. Then excellent play by the Lewes backs created space for their backs to score one try which was not converted.

As the clock was ticking down, H & B once more found their mojo. Wheeler executed an excellent line break and released Roberts who was deemed to have lost control of the ball just before he touched it down. H & B were soon on the attack with back row Wheeler dancing through the Lewes midfield befitting the early stages of Strictly to score a trademark solo try which was converted by Roberts.

The final score was 36-29 in Lewes’ favour. As ever, there was much to learn for all players. It is very promising that H & B could take such a large squad and there was clearly much potential on show from the debutants. This bodes well for the competitive matches in the season ahead.

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