January will be key month for H&B Courtesy of Hastings Observer

Hastings & Bexhill Rugby Club endured a frustrating finish to 2009 when their match against unbeaten leaders Heathfield & Waldron fell foul of the freezing conditions.

Captain Roger Roberts had hoped to get the match out of the way after describing it as a damage limitation exercise, but the bad weather means it will now be played on February 6.

"It's a bit of a pain," he said. "It would have been nice to have got that one crossed off."

In fact only one match in London Three South East was played at the weekend, basement boys Park House edging out Charlton Park 13-9.

H&B, who sit third from bottom after picking up three points from ten games, are next in action, are next in action on January 2 when they entertain fourth-placed Brighton before tackling the likes of Whitstable, Crowborough, Medway and Park House.

"January will go a long way to deciding whether we go down or not, "said Roberts.

The club has been cheered by the news that former skipper Steve McManus has been given the all clear to start light training - some nine months after suffering a double-broken leg in a match against Tonbridge Juddians. "It's great to get him back on the training pitch," said Roberts