Cliffe Crusaders RFC 17 v 28 Hastings and Bexhill RFC

Cliffe Crusaders RFC 17 v 28 Hastings and Bexhill RFC
12th February 2022 2:15pm

This really was a game of two halves! The wind played a definite part in the outcome; forty five points were scored, all at the same end of the pitch!

Hastings and Bexhill fielded a squad showing several changes from their last outing versus Brocklians RFC a fortnight ago. Tom Hirst started on the wing, Frazer McManus came back into the pack and Jacob McDonagh returned to the bench after a long lay off because of appendicitis. Max Mowbray and Quinn McManus completed the replacements.

The home side playing with the wind made good use of the conditions and soon took the lead. With four well struck penalties and a try just before half time they dominated the play. In fairness H&B made their task easy; there were too many dropped passes, too many penalties conceded and the usually effective lineouts were chaotic.

During the interval the coaching team of Dave Hirst and Steve McManus made changes to the team. McDonagh came on for Josh Jones in the front row and Quinn McManus replaced the promising Laurance Maynard at wing forward.

Jake Stinson opened the Hastings account with a well taken try. Harry Walker made a strong break in mid field; he passed to Calvin Crosby-Clarke who surged forward to release Stinson. The conversion was a beautiful kick from skipper Bruce Steadman. The comeback had started and from this point on H&B dominated the game.

Tom Hirst made a break on the wing,he passed inside to Joe Field who flew through the Crusaders defence from the half way line, he touched down under the posts to give Steadman the straightforward conversion.

A good passing interchange between Walker and Stinson set the winger free for his second try of the game to put H&B into the lead. Again Steadman converted with a great kick that really used the wind to enable the ball to sail over the bar.

The bonus point try was scored by McDonagh, a low pass to Stinson was kicked over the line and the chasing prop grabbed the ball to touch down. Steadman crowned a great second half display with the successful conversion.

This game was a league and cup double header and the win puts H&B into the final of the Kent Cup to be played in late April. Next week the 1stXV are at home to Foots Cray RFC with a 2:30pm kick off.

Match report and photographs by Peter Knight