Hastings & Bexhill RFC U13 (20) – (25) – 25 v Hove RFC U13 (5)-(20)-25

Hastings & Bexhill RFC U13 (20) – (25) – 25 v Hove RFC U13 (5)-(20)-25

Sunday 27th March 2022 @ 11am

With the clocks going forward an hour, and many of the squad having been up to watch Saracens v Bristol the previous day, Hastings & Bexhill were still able to field a squad of 18 and everyone had a good run out. 3 x 20 minutes sections meant that fitness was well tested.
This was a cracking friendly, both teams having met before Christmas in the league. H&B started brightly with good line speed, smart tackling and nice set plays, culminating in four tries. The first went to captain Will Roberts spotting a gap on the nearside from a scrum; winger Ben Coulson hitting the same corner from distance; prop Toby Fielder after excellent carries down the centre by the forwards and an astute pass by Roberts, and lastly, a quick reaction to lost ball by a shell-shocked Hove team, from Monty Wheeler, playing outside centre. H&B arguably put together their best 20 minutes as a team collectively, this season.

It was a good day for handling and Azat Kesen and Toby Fielder linked up well in one particular passage of play. Similarly, fly half Charlie Jones and centre Roberts, maintained endless pressure on the Hove line, when not in possession. They also set up some really nice attacking positions with their considered passing. Roberts put in a real captain’s performance, taking a couple of big knocks for the team but never losing his discipline. Well played.
Hove hit back at the end of the period. Some determined running gave them the momentum for a good reply. End of first period: H&B 20 – Hove 5.

H&B started the second period well. Centre, Zane Wickens scoring off a solid scrum and quick first phase ball that put width on the attack, from midfield. At 25-5, H&B were well on top of this contest and continuing their recent good form.
It is easy to forget however, that H&B have a number of newer players, still finding their feet and gaining experience against a team, who are in the top division of the league and who beat H&B in their earlier, respective league match. As such, it was a challenge to maintain their high level of play over the whole of the match. At this stage of their development, it is inevitable that some inconsistencies will occur.
Hove showed their prowess by working their way back into the game over the course of the second period. They got back to within one score of H&B. End of second period: H&B 25 – Hove 20.

The last section was a real war of attrition, testing both team in fitness and desire. H&B had their chances but it was Hove who scored to leave the game tied and in the context of the whole match, it was a fair result.

Hove named Monty Wheeler as their man of the match for his excellent game, capped with an alert try.

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 Sean Woodbridge