HASTINGS & BEXHILL RFC UNDER 15s vs LEWES RFC UNDER 15s

An end of season friendly took place on a chilly Spring day against a visiting Lewes team. Lewes kicked off into the grey skies and whilst in the air turned into a bar of soap that the recipient team could not hold to award Lewes an very early knock on in attacking territory. Lewes built up momentum with quicker ruck speed that did not permit H & B the escape route they desired. Eventually, Lewes were able to tie in enough home defenders in a ruck near one wing and then spread the ball to score a try on the other. Although unconverted, Lewes took a deserved 0-5 lead.

An excellent kick return from the restart by the Lewes winger just recovering put Lewes back on the attack. H & B’s scramble defence was effective and a near certain try snuffed out at the last. Multiple penalties from a creaking H & B defence however repeatedly surrendered possession to the visitors and their superb winger scored a second try which was unsurprisingly unconverted as a swirling wind picked-up.

Stirring words from the coaching team inspired H & B to shake off their stupor and go on the attack with only the touchline preventing an expansive play through the backs. Full back Ben Coulson ran the resulting clearing kick back with purpose to set up an incisive counter attack finished off by Monty Wheeler between the posts which was converted by Finley Davis to bring the score back to 7-10. A stand-off between the team materialised after the try and although both teams demonstrated effort and endeavour neither could make a telling blow before the whistle was blown for half-time.

The home team emerged stronger and scored a quick-fire try by Wheeler after an excellent pick-up at pace. Although unconverted, H & B had taken the lead for the first time in the match 12-10. This reassured the home team of the skill and determination that had led to such a good end of the season. H & B enjoyed far more possession with Louis Turpin, Thomas Bryant, Harley Willans and debutant Reggie Marsden started to break the gain line consistently. The ball ended up in Wheeler’s hands after an attacking H & B penalty and he somehow dove through the melee of a busy ruck to complete his hat-trick like a ferret up a drainpipe to extend the lead further to 17-10.

A fantastic touch-finder by Davis turned defence into attack with a 50-22. Although the attack from the resulting line-out was a little messy, dynamic wing Bryant tidied up the situation, prop Alex Usher tied in defenders with a powerful run, Rupert Sheppard capitalised on the space that was created and Wheeler was released once more to dive over the line and extend the lead to 22-10.

Lewes restarted and the ball somehow managed to evade the entire home team and allow Lewes a rare attacking opportunity. Although Lewes enjoyed good possession in a dangerous area it seemed like a well organised H & B team were forcing them to go from side to side. However, as this passage of play persisted, H & B’s concentration in defence waned and Lewes were able to score a try and set up a grandstand finish with less than 10 minutes to go.

The visitors were revitalised and played with real vigour forcing H & B into multiple penalties. The clock was ticking down and Lewes were threatening the H & B try line; only being rebuffed by yet more penalties. Eventually the referee’s patience was once tested and an inevitable penalty try was awarded to bring the scores even 22-22.

The penalty try proved to be the final play of the match. This drew the veil over an exciting and eventful season for the under-15s. The players shook hands, and walked over to a final debrief from the dedicated coaching team where they were joined by peers who could not play due to injury. The first-aiders packed their kit away and looked over at the statisticians handing the irreplaceable team manager match data. Some parents marched off to help hand out yet another delicious match tea that had been prepared beforehand. This team and club is a community that exists and thrives because of talented young people and a fantastic team that supports them. The score is not as important as the memories that are created.

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 Philip Usher