In this rearranged fixture from late January, Hove came into this fixture hoping for a win after the disappointment of losing to Brighton by 1point. The side was changed from the week before with a new backrow and backline.
Hove started the game full of promise scoring within 5 minutes and later capitalising on Crawley’s penalties by taking an early penalty. 7 – 0
Crawley did not surrender and using their strength in their forwards attacked back using the short play and drove Hove back and for their efforts got a penalty. 7 – 5
An early injury forced Hove to make changes and drive the ball back to the Crawley inside their 22 a run down the side got phases and the score. 14 – 5
Crawley regain the ball from the kick after a lapse in concentration from Hove and were able to drive the ball a penalty kick due to a Hove error kept the score going. 14-8
Crawley took advantage from the kick-off and drove the ball at Hove, soft penalties allowed to move the ball forward against Hove and able to score after a lapse in defence. 14 – 13
Hove seemed to have woken up and recovered the ball from the kick off and attacked the Crawley line and recovered the ball, consecutive penalties got the ball within kicking distance and a penalty kick got Hove ahead 17 – 13.
With 3 minutes left Hove attacked Crawley but not able to increase the score.
HALF TIME
Changes made in the second half to secure game brought different players on and secure a result. The second half for Hove can be summarise in “spurts and starts”
Crawley started the second half and a few penalties and slow decision making by Hove allowed them sneak in for a try 17 – 18
Hove replied strongly again and for 15 minutes kept the ball at the Crawley end of the pitch and able to get rewarded with a converted try. 24 – 18
Hove seemed to play with a stand back approach which allowed Crawley to move up the park allowing several penalties. Crawley were able to score and bring the score within 1 point. 24 – 23
With 15 minutes to go, Hove attacked and pressured Crawley with some good phases and running game a break run got the ball within the 5 metre line of Crawley’s timeline a pass intercepted by the Crawley wing got the ball back up the pitch towards the 50 metre a series of Phase and penalties resulting in a yellow card with 9 minutes to go.
Crawley took advantage and kicked a penalty to go ahead. 24 – 26
6 minutes to go and Hove got possession and attacked relentlessly the Crawley line with 14 men but couldn’t get through a break through the gain line got Hove within the 10 metres a dropped ball gave Crawley the ball back and kept possession to see out the game.
Hove had the possession and the team but poor decision making and penalties gave the game to Crawley.
FINAL RESULT 26 – 24
MAN OF THE MATCH: James Duckett