Men's 1st XV
Matches
Sat 05 Oct 2019  ·  London 2 South East
Maidstone
12
62
Hove Rugby Club
Men's 1st XV
Tries: R Pavlides (5), H Nelson (2), A Parker, S Whiting, C BucklandConversions: A Parker (8)Yellow Carded: T Hooper, I Saunders
Hove seal big away win

Hove seal big away win

Martin Macdonald8 Oct 2019 - 09:11
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By Chris Knott

Following a hard-fought win over Charlton Park at the rec, Hove knew they couldn’t be complacent as they headed to Kent this weekend. Regardless of results or the table, Hove proved with an earlier defeat to Deal, they had to ‘get off the bus’ and play with pace… And they did exactly that, running 10 tries past the struggling Kent side. This was not only a big win, but a day that will be long etched into the history books, with club legend Carl Buckland crossing the line to score his first try in around 40 years…

Hove’s recent availability crisis appears to have come to an end (for now), meaning Hove were able to field a strong 18-man squad, with minimal changes from the Charlton Park game. Carl ‘the try machine’ Buckland returned to the second row following a 2-game absence, having been on a ‘definitely cultural trip’ to Oktoberfest. Charlie Watts moved to 6 although following a textbook arrival 10 minutes before KO, Professor George Brains Brown started with Toby Brown returning to 7 after a cameo appearance from Dr Rupert Phillips BM MBBS MBChB, who will now be unavailable for around a year based on recent evidence. The Hove backs were strengthened by the return of international superstar Rene Pavlides, (note; if the person reading this is involved in the Cyprus national team, he definitely wasn’t playing)… who scored 5 tries, and didn’t get a jug in, shock.

Hove kicked off in perfect conditions, the first of many impeccable, perfectly placed kick offs from the captain, who definitely didn’t ask me to mention that. This was complimented by the backdrop of some absolute bangers going off, courtesy of Maidstone Oktoberfest at neighbouring Mote Park, We Will Rock You ringing out as Phil ‘the power’ Dugard sunk the ball deep into the Maidstone half. It was clear Maidstone were aiming to play a physical game, and the first minutes of the game saw Hove defending solidly against a lively and physical running forward pack, this phase of attack was however short lived as the ball soon found its way to Pavlides (wasn’t actually playing of course) who finished a trademark skinning of about 3 defenders, to pop the ball down. It was at this point Hove began to turn the screw, Phil Dugard and Sam Whiting running the show out back meant all round loud/chatty man Joe Burrowes was able to exploit the leaky centre gaps and relentless periods of attack saw some excellently finished tries, particularly a linkup between Al ‘Push Up’ Parker nudging the ball over for whizz kid, and terrible coach song performer Harry Nelson to dot down. 0-33 at half time.

With a bonus point already in the bag, and the game seemingly won, Hove’s half time team talk focussed on the defensive effort, with the aim to nil the Kent side. This was however quickly put to bed, as a good spell of attack saw Maidstone cross the try line. Frustration from the Maidstone players was showing, with lots of niggling. Hove’s customary dominant scrum and lineout functioning as expected, with hooker Chris Knott, hitting the uncontested back jumper for fun, and Dec the Decking Ball Peake acting part time Chiropractor for the Maidstone 1, resulting in plenty of handbags and some top-quality sledging from both sides.

A special mention to resident ‘small angry man’ Jerome Pye, the scrum half with the biggest strop/meltdown of the day; even when 50 points up finding the time to sulk, this time Dugard at the receiving end of his paddy. This performance earned him his first of an inevitable many DOTD awards this season.

What unfolded following the kick-off will be etched into the Hove history books forevermore and is likely to be considered one of sports greatest moments. A lucky bounce from the uncaught kick off saw Sam Whiting dart through into clear space with Carl Buckland in support, as Sam approached the line, it dawned that Carl was on his left shoulder. After pinching himself to ensure he wasn’t in fact dreaming, Sam released the ball to Buckland who ran at least 15 metres, but for the story’s sake let’s call it 60 metres and dived over the line. He stood and salt bae’d the ball, as the entire Hove team ran from all parts of the field to celebrate with the newly crowned ‘most prolific try scoring second row in Hove history’ after ending his 55 seasons try drought. Johnny’s drop goal, Super Saturday 2012, Murray’s Wimbledon win, World Cup 1966, and now Carl Buckland’s try vs. Maidstone, 2019… The sporting history books updated.

Following this Hove continued to pile on the points, albeit conceding 1 more try with a lapse at the ruck. In the closing minutes Hove’s Tyler Hooper, having just put in the biggest hit of the day, maybe even year, was yellow carded after the Maidstone 3 clearly punched Tyler-Ray (yeeeeha) in the face, to which Tyler retaliated by doing absolutely nothing. This however warranted both players being binned, rather than the straight red for the Maidstone player, as the laws of the game state. They say there are no guarantees in life bar life, death and taxes, however this this authout had never played rugby at Hove, as they missed the fact Ian Saunders will without fail get a yellow card for being offside and/or a late hit. Following an Al Parker ‘push up’ interception, which he’d been practicing hard the previous Saturday, the ref deemed Saunders to have been offside, causing the 10 to deliver the culprit pass and allow the interception. Most people didn’t see the infringement, but there’s absolutely no doubt Ian was offside. Saunders walked, Hove now down to 13 men with a few minutes on the clock. Regardless of this, Hove held Maidstone out through several phases on their 5-metre line. In the closing seconds the ball, found its way to Pavlides (someone who looked like him, not actually him, obviously) who again brushed off a few defenders to run the final points, and his fifth try of the afternoon (still no jug purchased). Converted by Parker the final whistle blew. FT 12-64 to Hove.

Hove will take the dominant performance forward to Crowborough on the 19th October in what promises to be a great local derby, with Crowborough taking the league leaders crown this weekend. With a week off due to a cup bye they’re aware of what to work on over the coming 2 weeks, as they look to continue their unbeaten home record.

A great day for Hove, and an even better day for Carl Buckland, proving if at first you don’t succeed try, try and try, and try, and try again. We wish Carl all the best in his now inevitable retirement next year.

Match details

Match date

Sat 05 Oct 2019

Kickoff

TBC

Competition

London 2 South East

League position

4
Hove
12
Maidstone
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Senior Mens Sponsor - Apex Group
Pitch & Training Kit Sponsor - Baxter & Hanks
Club Sponsor - Friends of Hove RFC
Club Sponsor - Galloways
Supplement Partner - HIGH5 Sports Nutrition
Gold Partner - T Reeve & Son LTD
Club Partner - Uncle Sams