Hove secure win in ‘fisty’ encounter against local rivals Brighton in Bob Rogers Cup.

There is something about the rivalry between Hove and Brighton that will entice even the minor rugby fan, whilst both clubs have had different successes over the years; it is Brighton who has enjoyed the majority of victories. Most notably last season in defeating Hove both home and away whilst deservedly gaining promotion, for Hove these results were particularly painful, not least that they were against our biggest rivals but because of the margins of defeat (22-39 at home and 73-0 away). Regardless of the fact that Hove were playing Brighton ‘A’, on Saturday Hove had both these results at the back of their minds.
Hove won the toss and opted to receive kick off playing into a light breeze, whilst the ball was secured; some scrappy play by Hove allowed Brighton to attack almost immediately. Despite this, Hove eventually found their defensive groove with Ollie Noel and Rob Ward making some Excel ent tackles. A scrum on the far right of the pitch on Hove’s 10 metre line gave the Hove backs a great attacking platform, George Davies fed the ball wide to Rene Pavlides (who is on anther holiday next week), Rene advanced his way up the pitch linking with Alex Parker and Martin MacDonald, Hove found themselves in Brighton’s 22 and they managed to win a penalty. Hove opted for the sticks and Parker converted. Hove 3 Brighton 0.
Some great carries in midfield by Declan Peake and Tyler Hooper allowed Hove to keep momentum, eventually the ball was shipped right and Hove’s heaviest centre pairing of Philipe ‘Bastareaud’ Dugard and ‘Smash’ Parker, made space for Guy Patton to shoot down the right feeding Al Parker who finished well. Parker was unable to add the extras. Hove 8 Brighton 0. Brighton were seemingly still on ‘the bus’ and continued to infringe allowing Hove spread the ball into the wide channels and gain a large amount of territory. Alex Parker again was fed the ball by Pavlides (who was causing havoc for the Brighton defence) and evaded a number of Brighton defenders to touch down, conversion unsuccessful. Hove 13 Brighton 0. Hove had clearly rattled Brighton early on but towards the end of the first half, madness ensued. Pavlides made another break down the left wing and fed MacDonald who looked to evade the oncoming Brighton number 4, MacDonald was then hit with an illegal no arms tackle which left both players on the ground. The Brighton number 4 then got up and struck Pavlides on the back of the head when he was walking away, this lead to a major scuffle by both teams. The referee rightly gave a red card to the Brighton 4 but also sin binned Hove’s number 7, Ollie Noel for reacting. Once Hove were returned to a full complement, they finally managed to make use of the additional man, following a break into Brighton’s half, Peake recognised space on the blind side, the ball was fed by peak to MacDonald who offloaded to Ian Saunders who galloped over to score in the corner. Carl Buckland was informed of the news that a fellow second row had scored, naturally Carl referred to his stats this season, no competition at all Carl. Hove 18 Brighton 0.
Hove were well aware that Brighton would throw the kitchen sink at them in the second half, assistant coach Jack Newton made a few changes at half time bringing on James Buckley at hooker, Timmy Barnett at prop and Jack Moore for his debut at 9. Charlie Watts shot of to London for a musical or something, he was already running late. Brighton however started the second the strongest, the caught Hove off guard and fed the ball down the blind side allowing their scrum half to scanter over, conversions successful, Hove 18 Brighton 7. Hove were now struggling to continue the momentum they had in the first half, some poor kicking and decision making resulted in Hove being camped on their own try line with the majority of the Hove team on the far side of the pitch, a poor kick from Moore allowed Brighton to feed their winger who used his pace to run round the Hove defence and score under the posts, conversion successful. Hove 18 Brighton 14. It was now a 4 point game and Hove had to score next. Alex Parker dinked a lovely grubber through which Brighton carried over for a five metre scrum. The ball was fed in by Brighton but they failed to control it, Jack Moore capitalised and some great quick thinking allowed him to pick the ball up and dive over, conversion unsuccessful. Hove 23 Brighton 14.
In the final quarter, Hove defended frantically but their discipline was starting to cost them, nevertheless they managed to make their way up field again and won a penalty right in front of the sticks, Alex Parker easily knocked this over making the score Hove 26 Brighton 14. Brighton kicked deep on the restart, Hove gathered but were eventually penalised for holding on. Brighton went for the corner, they managed to achieve a maul and it looked as if Hove had managed to push them into touch however, the Brighton 5 was adjudged to have placed the ball on the line, the referee gave score much to the disappointment of the Hove players, conversion unsuccessful. Hove 26 Brighton 19. Hove restarted and just had to win the ball back or hope for a Brighton mistake, luckily Peake emerged from the shade to produce a textbook turnover and Rob Ward curled the ball into the crowd. Full time Hove 26 Brighton 19.
Credit must go to Brighton for making it an extremely competitive contest but, the Hove players can take great heart from their dogged spirit and never give up attitude. Second row and ankle melter Ian Saunder’s said “it’s great to get the win against our rivals, to get a try is something I am extremely proud of and I will cherish this more than my orchard garden”.
Hove resume league duties next week with an away trip to Becchamians.