Hove start off strong with emphatic victory at Worthing

Hove open their campaign with a 78-0 win over Worthing Raiders A

Hove travelled the short distance over to the Rugby Park in Angmering to face local rivals Worthing in a repeat of the game done last year under floodlights at Hove.

The players have been through a tough pre-season but spirits have been high and the atmosphere throughout the team has been great and this shone out on the pitch. The difference between last season and this was already on display, as Hove played an intelligent attacking game. Sam Whiting, who's had a great sevens season over the summer, has found a place as a kick-off specialist, both in attack and defence, and this gave our forwards a great platform off the kickoff receipt. Although there were a few shaky moments in the set-piece, particularly the scrum, the loose play was beautiful to behold. It didn't take long for Hove to open the scoring with an incisive attack after a driving maul, with Phil Dugard crossing the line. Any pre-match nerves were shaken off as Hove raced to a 24-0 lead in the first quarter.

While the game ended up with a one-sided scoreline, there were times when the hosts threatened. Several times they were camped out on the Hove try line only for the visitors to win a penalty and they had the ascendency in the scrummage. It's never easy when you're on the receiving end of a heavy loss, but to their credit, Worthing stuck to the task up until the end of the game in a team that included a number of their colts.

Hove Head Coach Sandy Robertson was pleased with the performance. "We've come away with a win against a National League second team, which is great, and it gives us plenty to build on."

Hove now host Hellingly on August 26th and Old Dunstonians on September 2nd before their first league game away at Deal & Betteshanger on 9th September.

Try Scorers:
Pat Andrews
Phil Dugard x2
Tom Lemehaute x2
Martin MacDonald
Ryan Morlen x2
Jerome Pyeboss
Rob Ward
Sam Whiting x2