H&B Under 13s learn important lessons following new challenge

HASTINGS AND BEXHILL RFC U13s 15 Vs CRANBROOK RFC U13s 25

Hastings and Bexhill under 13s faced new opposition in their friendly match against Cranbrook. The H & B under 13 squad has grown this season having recruited many new players with lots of potential. As a friendly match, the game was played in three 20 minute segments. Despite strong resistance, the experienced Cranbrook team were able exploit their superiority in the scrum and scored three times to take the lead 0-15 before the end of the first segment.

After the break H & B starting to increase their physicality at the breakdown and in the scrum which was helped in part by the introduction of fresh legs. A much more even, but attritional game ensued with both teams making forays into their opponents half. H & B’s prop Azat Kesen had a try disallowed when he was held up as he was just about to score. Just as this period of the match looked like the two sides were cancelling each other out, Monty Wheeler embarked on a dazzling run to score. This was shortly followed up by Rupert Shepherd finishing under the posts in the last play of the second segment to bring the score to 10-15.

The resumption of play saw more substitutions in both teams, but this did not overly disrupt the quality or evenness of the game. Despite having a significantly smaller pack, H & B scrum started to exert a degree of dominance and winning some against the head. This led to a passage of play in which Azat Kesen scored a well deserved try to draw the scores level at 15-15. The game looked like heading to a grandstand finish when Cranbrook scored two tries in quick succession to win the game 25-15.

Captain Will Roberts was justly awarded the man of the match for H & B.

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.

Report written by Phil Usher