A beautiful sunny day greeted the commencement of the 2023-2024 league campaign for Hastings & Bexhill Under 15s away at Haywards Heath. A successful pre-season and strong squad meant that there was a palpable sense of optimism in the H & B camp.

H & B belied their reputation as slow starters and demonstrated controlled aggression and organisation in defence from the kick-off. During the first fifteen minutes, a talented Haywards Heath team were forced to pass side-to-side as they found it difficult to penetrate the blue wall that Hastings erected at the half-way line. It was apparent that the direct, hard running style that H & B adopted in attack was increasingly paying dividends as they made progress toward the Heath try line only to be held-up in attack. Ceteris paribus, it was only a matter of time until the Heath defence would be breached. Against the run of play however, Heath ran through a rare gap in H & B’s defence to score a try in the corner which was unconverted.

After the restart, balance of possession and territory once more tipped significantly in H & B’s favour. Winger Ben Coulson chased his own kick to break Heath’s defence and lead a move that culminated in a penalty for H & B. Back row Monty Wheeler reacted to Heath taking time to organise their line and scored between the posts. The try was converted by captain Will Roberts taking H & B into the lead.

H & B’s dominance continued once more and the aggression & line speed in defence forced Heath into more errors and eventually winger Tom Bryant intercepted a Heath pass to initiate another attacking wave leading to prop Azat Kesen dabbing down to secure a 5-12 half-time lead.

Several changes were made by both Heath and H & B at half-time. Heath adapted better to the changes and the pattern of play reversed. Heath now seemed half a yard faster and H & B attacking play became a little more ragged. The fine line between the successful aggression of the first half spilled over to illegality. H & B conceded more penalties, territory and an almost inevitably a yellow card. Going down to 14 players galvanised H & B who once became more proactive in defence and rebutted the relentless Heath attack throughout the sin bin period. Shortly after returning to their full complement, H & B were perhaps guilty of over ambition in their own 22 and surrendered possession once too many as Heath capitalised on an error to score between the posts. This was converted to draw level.

After a frantic last few minutes H & B made one final error at the break down and offered Heath a shot at goal with the final play of the match. This was missed however and the referee called time on an almighty tussle. Although a cliché, the game truly was a ‘game of two halves’ and as the teams shook hands in the sunlight both could take honour from an entertaining and balanced game.

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.

Hastings & Bexhill Rugby Club

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