Hove dominate Crowborough

Hove vs. Crowborough (H)

Hove went into this game knowing that it was a must win in order to put some distance between them and the relegation zone. For once the weather held out and although there was a strong wind, the playing surface was firm allowing for Hove to hopefully execute their expansive style of play.

Crowborough kicked off with the wind at their backs and the ball was taken well by Declan Peake. Rob Biggs, as he did all day, box kicked well into the Crowborough half, getting enough height for the chasing Hove line to put pressure on catcher. After some good phases by the forwards, Hove were awarded a penalty 8m out in which the Crowborough villain was given a yellow card. A quick tap penalty from Rob Biggs saw him find Sam Whiting on his shoulder who stepped past one covering defender for the opening score - converted by Rob Biggs, making the score 7-0.

Hove again continued to attack the 13 channel and good footwork from Sam Whiting saw him break the Crowborough line, he found the supporting run of Phil Dugard, who just short of the line got a good offload away to Boyd Flavell, to go over for the second score. Conversion missed and Hove led 12-0.

A third try quickly followed as Hove went coast to coast. A poor kick from Crowborough was easily gathered by Sam Whiting who took a quick tap from the resulting mark and found Ian Saunders, who in turn found Guy Patton, who outpaced his opposite man to then pop the ball back to Sam Whiting who drew the full back and put the tireless Rob Ward into the corner - conversion missed, Hove lead 17-0.
With the fourth try bonus point looking imminent, Hove again attacked from a poor Crowborough clearance. Guy Patton did well to draw in two defenders and get the pass away to Sam Whiting; he then drew the full back and put the supporting Guy Patton in 5 metres from touch – conversion missed, the score now 22-0.

With confidence blossoming in the Hove back line, they were attacking from all parts of the pitch. A strong fend from Will Walker gave him the half yard he needed and he looked odds on to score, however, a speculative inside pass to Rob Ward went astray and the chance was lost. Hove did make amends soon after, exploiting some inexperienced Crowborough defence, with Sam Whiting again came into the line strongly, breaking the Crowborough defensive line and found the supporting Boyd Flavell on his shoulder. Conversion from out wide missed, bring the score to 27-0.

Hove seemed to take the foot off the pedal at this point as the resulting restart was not picked off by a Hove player and fell into the waiting Crowborough hands. After continuous phases, Crowborough eventually went over from close range and the try was nicely converted from out wide 27-7. This brought about the HT whistle with Hove in a commanding position.

The try seemed to galvanise Crowborough as they came out of the blocks firing, forcing Hove to sure up their defence around the ruck. Strong defensive performances from Adrian Shergold, Mike Robinson and Andy Chapman kept Crowborough at bay, eventually leading to a superb turnover from Freddie Henry in the middle of the park and hove swiftly took the opportunity to counter-attack. The ball was spun out to Ryan Bhimji, who found Sam Whiting on his shoulder who showed good footwork and pace to beat the covering defenders and slide in in the corner. The conversion was missed, making the score 32-7.

Hove continued to win good turnovers in their own half, however with the strong breeze at their backs, they kept kicking the ball dead. Twice Hove threatened with strong rolling mauls, but were stopped just short, both times with Mike Robinson at the tail.
Hove’s final score came after Sam Bath chased a long kick downfield from Sam Whiting, superbly. He forced the Crowborough player to slice his clearance allowing Guy Patton to leap like a salmon and beat his opposite man to touch down. Conversion true and Hove led 39-7.
With the game well and truly in the bag, Hove took their foot off the gas and allowed Crowborough to score two unconverted tries in the last 5 minutes completing the scoring 39-17.

A much needed bonus point win for Hove whose strong forward defence coupled with scything back play put the game to bed before HT. This weeks Man of the Match went to Rob Ward for his tireless work rate round the park and getting on the end of a backs move for a 5 pointer.

Hove entertain Old Alleynians at the Rec this weekend, looking for back to back victories for the first time this season.

Hove: Wallace, Peake, Shergold, William, Chapman, Ward, Henry, Robinson, Biggs, Dugard, Patton, Flavell, Bhimji, Walker, Whiting (c) Subs. McGuire, Bath, Macdonald