U13’s finish league campaign on a high, despite defeat

U13’s finish league campaign on a high, despite defeat

Eastbourne U13 (5) 20 v Hastings & Bexhill U13 (10) 15 - Sunday 20th March 2022 @ 11am

The appearance of a ten strong Emo drumming band on a sunny spring day in downtown Eastbourne, set the scene for a league finale which didn’t disappoint. H&B were starting their second away league match in as many weeks, with Taylor Beaney and Harvey Willans retaining their places in the starting forwards.

A bright opening for the visitors put them 10-0 ahead in the first quarter. Firstly, winger Charlie Jones showed real pace and intelligent running lines, to finish an excellent team move from first phase ball, following a scrum on halfway. Then from the restart, winger Ben Coulson took a fine catch and return for a try in the right corner, having shredded the Eastbourne defence.

At this point, H&B looked ready to score a hatful of points. They were full of running. All the backs were keen to show their full repertoire of skills. The hosts were offering little; the band had mercifully taken a sabbatical and the visitors were full of flicks and tricks and devilish intent.

It was at this point that the game stuttered with knock-ons and errors. This seemed to suit the hosts, who were trying to find their way into the match. The referee was kept busy and happy to blow his whistle.

Nonetheless, there were further breaks by Jones and good footwork by ‘live wire’ scrum half, Finley Davies, forcing Eastbourne back in defence. Excellent pressure by prop, Alex Usher kept Eastbourne honest and much of the play settled into the midfield. But, a rugby match will change much as the season’s and it is wise to sway with those changes and to bide your time, rather than chase your prize too hard.

From that seemingly solid position, the game did change for the dominant team. H&B missed a number of tackles and allowed Eastbourne their foothold into the game. From midfield, they made steady progress into H&B territory and against the run of play, eventually forced over in the corner, to score. It was only to be obvious later, the importance of this passage of play. It had given Eastbourne belief in a method to fashion victory.

Eastbourne then spilled the ball from the restart as H&B continued run into the fray with intent. More good handling from Davies and Coulson developed field position on the left hand side. Unfortunately, an attempt at a miss-pass, with the try line beckoning, led to the move breaking down.

Prop, Hayden Gladstone came on for the hard working Azat Kessen and provided ballast in the scrum. The front row unit all put in a real shift at the set piece and rucks. Well played Usher who continued deep into the second half, along with Beaney, Gladstone, Toby Fielder and Kessen.

A final first half attack saw ever busy Davies, who had an influential game and never gave up galvanising the team, attempt a pinpoint kick to the right corner from an advanced position in the Eastbourne half, that just evaded Coulson. H&B had shown a real half of ambition and Eastbourne were grateful that the score remained 10-5.

The second half started with a kick from the visitors that failed to go the full distance and this unfortunately, set the tone for them. Whether last weeks exertions had finally caught up was unclear but Eastbourne were certainly able to push H&B back at the gain line and this led to H&B being on the back foot for chunks of the second half.

From a successful scrum, the hosts made solid progress up the left hand side and with little in the way of resistance, rumbled on and were soon level. Soon after, Eastbourne went ahead for the first time in the match. Whilst a man down with an on-field injury, H&B’s effort to attack with width broke down and Eastbourne were able to break away down their left wing, for an important score.

At 15-10, the pressure was back on the visitors. In fairness, although starting to tire, H&B still looked to attack wide and utilise their pace. Eastbourne now had their full complement of larger players on the pitch and won a penalty, running it back. Then an excellent turnover at the ruck, popped the ball up to Centre, Rupert Sheppard. With little on, he used his trademark step to open up a chink of light in the Eastbourne defence and whilst evading a number of tackles, ran three quarters of the length of the pitch to score an excellent equaliser for H&B.

Although level, penalties were now starting to accrue against H&B along with a number of injuries as Eastbourne used their bigger players to dominate in contact. Full back Monty Wheeler prevented a certain try in the far corner with a very accomplished turnover and clearance.

Eastbourne were soon to take the lead which they would not relinquish. Again, missed tackles in contact were at the heart of it, as the hosts rumbled down the middle of the park and H&B could not keep them out.

It was frustrating to see a long interruption to the flow of the game during a multiple resetting of the scrum, that went on for many, many minutes toward the end of game. It was unnecessary and baffling for many watching on. H&B had good field position and were keen to look for an equalising try. The scrum served no real purpose other than to interrupt the flow of an absorbing game and was not the end this game deserved.

Eastbourne finished the game on top and only an excellent tackle by Fielder in the corner prevented a further try for the hosts. It was credit to H&B that although they were tired and facing certain defeat, they prevented Eastbourne from scoring further tries. Well done.

Despite defeat, H&B were able to secure a losing bonus point and finish top of their league, ahead of Worthing, Eastbourne and Chichester. Well done boys. You have rewarded your hard working coaches with some amazing progress. We look forward to seeing your continued development in the future.

Next Sunday we host Hove in a development friendly, kick off at 11am.

The clubs continues to grow and welcome new players of all ages. Ages 6-11 train Sunday from 9.30am and 12-17 from 11.30am. If you fancy a try out, please come along for a free no-obligation taster session. All welcome. It is still not too late in the season.