Hastings and Bexhill RFC 32 v 14 Old Williamsonians RFC

Hastings and Bexhill RFC 32 v 14 Old Williamsonians RFC

4th December 2021 2pm

The much improved weather brought out the crowds and they were treated to an excellent home win against a very good opposition, Coach Steve McManus was able to select a strong squad and welcomed back Calvin Crosby-Clark into the second row; after an injury lay off.

From the kick off Old Williamsonians dominated play. The home defence was under pressure and the visitors managed to turn that pressure into points with a try from a strong scrum 5m out; an excellent kick into a stiff breeze gave OW's a seven point lead.

The touch line pundits and prophets of doom were fearing the worst; but how wrong could they be! Going behind was the wake up call the Hastings forwards needed and despite being several kilograms per man lighter they totally controlled the play and over ran the Williamsonians defence.

The Hastings account was opened with a good try out on the left hand side from Quinn McManus. Skipper Bruce Steadman put H&B into the lead with a well taken penalty. Frazer McManus extended the lead with a typical No8 try from the base of the scrum and Steadman coverted with a beautiful kick from way out on the left hand side. The first half finished with another try from the forwards making the score at half time 20-7.

During the interval Assistant Coach Dave Hirst made two changes; Archie Ridpath came on for Steadman who is recovering from injury and Chris Pillow took over the front line duties from Jack Hardy.

Full back Harry Walker gave a man of the match display in the second half. He scored two fantastic tries and made several magnificent tackles as the last line of defence. His first try came as the result of good following up behind a great break from wing forward Ben Bailey. Walker scooped up the ball to crash over the line for the Bonus Point score.

Although they were way behind Old Williamsonians were not beaten and they hit back hard at the Hastings defence. Their winger was unfairly tackled by Louis Sealy, he was given a yellow card and OW's were awarded a penalty try. The Hastings defence held on for ten long minutes without conceding any more points. Max Mowbray replaced Bailey who had played a major part.

Walker then produced the moment of the day; a mazy, zig zagging run from the ten metre line left the OWs backs floundering and he crossed the line under the posts for Surridge to convert.

A great victory over the team above them in the league closes the gap at the top of the division and makes next weeks game away to Faversham all the more important.

Photographs from Yellow Rose Photography

Match Report by Peter Knight