Uckfield 31 – Hastings & Bexhill 12

The first league outing of the season was approached with great optimism as Uckfield were well beaten in last season’s encounter and the H&B boys were enjoying a period of steady improvement. However, looking across at the opposition as they warmed up, it was evident that they had strengthened their squad with several big strong lads, most notably in the second row and particularly at eight, a physically mature and gifted athlete.
 
Uckfield got off to a good start and put H&B under considerable early pressure. In their over zealous effort to gain possession they conceded a penalty in front of the posts and were three points down. The big number eight began to impose himself on the game, proving to be not only strong but mobile. H&B’s characteristically limited tackling ability allowed him too much free reign and Uckfield soon ran in their first try.
 
H&B were playing well in possession, executing set pieces and running the ball well through the backs. The match developed into a compelling competition with H&B demonstrating how much they are improving as a team. Having worked together to force the ball over the try line, only for it to be held up, they came straight back from the ensuing scrum for Robbie Meikle to score in the corner.
 
Uckfield were making best use of the exceptional number eight who was dropping into the back line to add mettle to the defence and exploit opportunities to run round the outside of H&B for a stark mismatch with the comparatively slight wingers. The talented fly half also exerted his influence on the game; at one point, after H&B had worked the ball into the Uckfield twenty-two, he put a clearing kick into touch all the way back into H&B’s twenty-two. Later his kick through led to another runaway try after H&B failed to gather the awkwardly bouncing ball.
 
Despite scoring another well deserved try through Adam Baker, H&B had to concede defeat by four tries to two. It was a pleasing performance overall, man of the match Charlie Wells, exemplifying the commitment and endeavour of the team.

Max McKeown tries to unlock the defence

Robbie Meikle runs in at the corner