Match Preview

Hove kick off 2019/20 with home fixture against Old Alleynians

Fresh from a 19-10 win away at Chobham, the Hove men's first team will be looking to put a tough season in London 1 South behind them and pick up their first league win since the play-off in 2017/18.

Despite the tough season the Hove squad remains largely intact. Pat Andrews has left the club after 5 years to return home to Australia. Chris Knott, back row for large parts of last season, reverts to hooker. In addition; Ian Saunders, Rob Ward, Rene Pavlides and Ryan Morlen return from long-term injury and Ben Anderson, Charlie Watts and Giles Emmerson return from spells away from the club to give the Hove team a fresh feel. Reece Cavozzi is another returnee who was named in the initial line-up but pulled out because of a quad injury.

Two other players not to feature this week due to injury are Gibraltar International Luke Torres who injured his knee in the first preseason game and club captain Martin MacDonald who injured his shoulder in the second and we wish them well with their recovery. Phil Dugard will captain the side in Macca's absence and had this to say ahead of the league opener:

"The boys have worked really hard during pre-season, so everyone is looking forward to the season kicking off. There have been a couple of new players who have joined over the summer and some boys returning from long term injuries, so there’s a real buzz around camp at the moment. We’re under no illusion that Old Alleynians are going to be tough on Saturday, but everyone is relishing the challenge and hopefully come away with a W."

Kick-off is 3pm at Hove Recreation Ground and the bar is open from midday.