Match Preview

In the final game of 2019 Hove play Hayward’s Heath in a top of the table Christmas fixture.

2019 has been a turbulent year for Hove full of ups and downs, but the players are finally in a position where they are enjoying their rugby again. Head coach Sandy Robertson moves up the wall this week whilst Jack Newton sabbaticals in New Zealand. Team wise, Hove have been forced into a few changes. Alex Maguire, Tyler ‘yee-haaaa’ Hooper and Ryan Storer make up a new front row. Adrian Shergold moves back into the second to accompany stalwart Ian Saunders, unfortunately too points scorer Carl Buckland suffered a knee injury last week so will be out for a couple of months, we wish Carl a speedy recovery. In the backs SmAsh Parker is unavailable so Guy Patton and Sam Whiting role back the years to partner in the centres. Lloyd Tullet, Rene Pavlides and Alex Parker form a strong back three.

On the bench, Big Ben Stephens and Luke Buckton-Taylor are in line to make their first team debuts. Jerome Pye having finally decided he wasn’t going to sesh on a Friday, covers the backs. In what is going to be an extremely tough game, the emphasis in training this week was about being proud of where the club is at and that it’s important the players continue to enjoy their rugby. With the first, second and third team all it home, we hope that all players will bring some festive cheer and get in the holiday spirit by joining in the Hove rugby nativity social spectacular.

It sure to be a cracker of a day so don’t miss out. KO for thirds is 1.30, the first and second team kick off at 2pm.