Match report

Hove 62 v Hastings 17

Gentleman well done to the team. Another impressive result against a mainly U18 side in the league above. That was a seriously tough game and the power of Hastings forward and their continuous pick and drives should have resulted in 16-17 type match and yet we ran out 62-17.

For the first 10 mins the game looked anything like the final result. Hastings's bigger and stronger pack continuously pressurized on our 10 metres with numerous pick and drives which resulted in a try. However Hove managed to weather the storm and an interchange of quick passes in the backs and a neat running line by our Full Back and subsequent mesmerising side step of Hastings Full Back got us level. It was one of Stephen's days as he managed to run in 4 tries. When he gets going he seems almost unstoppable. Hastings continued to pressure up front but Hove managed to get too many quick deliveries from the ensuring rucks which enabled the backs to continuously break away.

At half time Hove led 24 - 12. The half time talk must have got home to a few players. Within 11 mins of the restart Hove had scored 3 tries through some swift interchanging of backs passing. The score line moved on to 45 -12 and some of the heart went out of Hastings's game. The forwards to a man got to grips with the pick and drives from Hastings big and powerful forwards and were confidently taking them on at their own game. Hove's continuous driving over the gain line were allowing the backs to attack the gaps being created. This resulted in our backs scoring 9 of the 10 tries that Hove put past Hastings. As one of their spectators said after the match we had a bunch of whippets in our backs that were uncontainable.

Our thoughts go out to Zach who scored one of the most courageous and determined tries I have seen in any match let along a Colts game. He was hit at full speed by the biggest forward in Hastings's team. How he managed to hold onto the ball, turn out of the tackle and score a try beggars belief. It is a pity he left a tooth on the 5 metre line. We wish him a quick recovery. That certainly is taking one for the team but then Zach has always had that element of doggishness of spirit and determination of not being overcome no matter what the size of the competition..

Our condolences also go out to Harry Chapman who seems to have broken his ankle. Harry we wish you also a speedy recovery.

Also congratulations to Noah for wanting to play up a level from U16 and scorning in his first game for Hove colts. We hope he enjoyed the experience

Sunday's scorers were Stephen (4) George (2) Tyler (1) Noah (1) Zach(1)and Harvey (1) - Well done to George for completing 6 conversions from the most difficult of positions.

It is all looking good for the league which starts in 2 weeks time. Still things to work upon but it's getting better with every game. However the only way we can continuously improveve is to ensure we get continuous good attendances at our training sessions.