Focus shifts from third to fourth

The rugby club’s 15-10 loss at home to Dartfordians last weekend has seen them slip four points behind their third-placed conquerors having played an extra match and with only one to go.

Fifth-placed Shooters Hill - one of only two teams to do the double over H&B along with champions Gillingham Anchorians - are only two points behind H&B with a game in hand.

H&B head coach Kevin Smith said: “Fourth is still possible, but it really depends on Shooters Hill. I think everyone at Hastings is happy, particularly with the way we’ve handled ourselves in the league.”

There are no matches in the division over the Easter weekend and H&B are also without a league fixture next weekend as a result of the recent withdrawal of Guy’s Hospital.

They are, however, hoping to arrange a friendly for April 14 so that they don’t go into their final game at home to HSBC on April 21 not having played for three weeks.