Hove Ladies vs Trojan Ladies (A)

This game saw an inform, very well drilled, physical and fit home side meet a depleted travelling Hove team. With Clive out through injury and other players out through illness and other commitments, the Hove squad was left very thin on the ground with some players having to play through illness and injury in order to put out a team at all. Hove started the game with 6 front row players on the pitch and a relatively new Hove forward playing in the 10 position.

Needless to say the game did not follow the pattern we have seen so far this season.
With only 4 minutes on the clock Trojans scored a penalty, they thought they had their first try at 7 mins, but it was disallowed. However the momentum they carried even by this early phase of the game caused them to break through the Hove defence at 13, 23, 29 and 37 minutes.

Changes were made at half-time which moved Blondie from 8 to 10, Juliette from 10 to 6 & Jordon from 6 to 8. When Jordon went of injured, Jez returned to the pitch and Karin switched into the 8 position.

The second half started with a Hove penalty at 44mins which Temps converted. From then on Trojans forced yet more holes in the Hove defence, with Tries at 45, 51 and 75 minutes.

Hove dug extremely deep towards the final whistle, with a massive attacking effort. But unfortunately the Trojans defence was too strong and Hove didn't manage to gain the try they rightfully deserved.

As is often the case with games like this, despite Hove being beaten by the better team on the day, the score line really doesn't reflect the game. Hove left everything on the pitch, they played with pride, heart, passion and determination. Every player, new or experienced was a credit to the Hove badge and did us all proud. Players, ex-players, spectators and club members would all have felt the pain of the defeat.

But heads up girls, you played well. Another big game next weekend, let's hope the injuries picked up over the last couple of games don't last long and that all sick players are also on the mend.
Final score 40-3.

Forward of the match was Hannah and back was Polly.