Hastings & Bexhill U14s 0 Crowborough 60
H&B under 14s hosted a Crowborough side who find themselves in the B league through most unfortunate circumstances, having been defeated on only a couple of occasions last season.
It was clear as the players arrived that H&B were facing a very great challenge. Crowborough are blessed with many physically impressive players, about half a dozen around the six foot mark, while H&B have only one player approaching that size.
The pattern of the game soon emerged, with H&B struggling to retain the ball at scrums against a much bigger pack, although, as Crowborough exerted such pressure, they tended to wheel the scrum and drive it too far, whereupon the sensible continuum rules came to H&Bs rescue, reducing the weight of the shove. Obviously, they were hopelessly out-gunned at the lineout and only a short throw to Charlie Wells produced possession for the home team.
Despite the regularity of scores conceded, H&B’s performance was, if anything, an improvement on their last outing. Their defensive shape looked good for much of the game and players were taking up intelligent positions, marshalled by Daniel Evans at half back, keeping players out of defensive rucks and keeping numbers available to defend the next phase.
The tackling is improving but still a way off the standard needed. The players were certainly resolute, having to double up on their opponents to bring them down. They stuck to their task and even appeared to grow in strength towards the end of the game.
H&B Man of the match, Adam Baker and centre partner Robbie Meikle put in solid performances, as did hooker Laurence Maynard and Jack Dixon, performing under duress at full back.
Crowborough were well drilled, committed and skilful. They carried and recycled the ball efficiently in the forwards and moved it through hands effectively in the backs. When H&B face them later in the year in the league, they will be aiming for a more favourable scoreline, though they did better than Fiji in their clash with Wales.
