H&B (0)0 Uckfield (14)26

H&B U13 entertained title chasers Uckfield in what ultimately turned out to be a frustrating morning. Choosing to play into the strong wind H&B were soon under pressure in their own defensive area but determined tackling kept the visitors at bay. The loss of fly half Alex Mortimer-Harvey, after 7 minutes, to a twisted knee meant a reshuffle of the backline. Several determined runs by centre Joe Whitehill-James allowed H&B to move upfield and to break into the Uckfield half. Uckfield recovered the ball and kicked deep to H&B 22m, where a knock on lead to an attacking scrum, the visitors moved the ball left to the winger who was forced into touch 10m out by a great tackle by George Upton. The visitors won the line out and pressure from their forwards eventually told with a try after 14 minutes, which they converted. Just before half time Uckfield again drove over the line but good defensive work by Whitehill-James resulted in the ball being held up. Further pressure on the H&B line resulted in a loose pass which allowed the Uckfield centre to dive on the ball for a converted score with the last play of the half to make the score 0-14.

Turning round with the wind at their backs H&B were hoping to use this advantage to put pressure on the Uckfield line this proved not to be the case, poor kicking opportunities allowed the visitors to regain possession to run a converted try in on the left wing. For the rest of the half play remained in midfield with the visitors counter attacking well. The game finished with the Uckfield full back making a 40m dash down the right for their fourth try to make the final score 0-26.

This was a hard fought game with the score flattering Uckfield, H&B were unable to mount any real pressure despite winning the scrimmage battle, the visitors must be given credit for their determination and loose forward play which resulted in several turn-overs. 

Man of the Match went to Joe Whitehill-James for his determined running with ball in hand and a couple of try saving tackles.

Next game Sunday 12th February away versus Crowborough (KO 11am)

Squad: Marchant-Hall, Smart, Brereton (Ames), Paige, Stockdale (Squire), Upton, Southgate, Gooch, Nicholls (Grain), Mortimer-Harvey (Coyle), Coyle (Driver), Whitehill-James, Hill, MacLean (Scott), Barker