H&B appeal for play-off backing

H&B entertain Kent League runners-up Old Elthamians at William Parker School on Saturday April 24 in what Hamilton is describing as their "best chance" of the three years (2001 and 2003 were the other two) they've qualified for the one-off showdown to make the step up to London Four South East. Kick-off is 3pm.

"I'm sure the team would be hugely boosted if we could get as much support as possible," he said. "Anyone who sees themselves as following this team 'could you actually get up to William Parker'. That could make the difference if we have a huge crowd and huge noise.

"I don't think there's anything in it but I think home advantage does give you an edge. We're on a fantastic run, confidence is very high and I think in close games the side that expects to win will tough it out and win it.

"I think merely to have got to the play-offs in itself is a staggering effort (they've had to win their final 11 league games to do so, having lost four of the first seven). I'm confident we've got the best team we've had in the three years and I'm confident we will win if we play to our ability.

"I think it's going to be a similar test to Hove (the Sussex League champions whom they beat at home in February). We don't know anything about them: we've tended to take the view that we can play this game different ways and we will suss it out as the game goes on because you can go and watch opponents and they then turn out to be totally different because they're missing a few players. We know we can survive up there (in London Four) so this is the time to take our chance."

The availability of scrum-half Craig Burgess is the big selection issue. Burgess attended his second trial with the Scottish Exiles' under-21 team last Saturday and, if recalled, could miss out. Roger Roberts (back) is still out while Andy Hitch (head) is a doubt.

On a slightly sour note, Hastings & Bexhill have been stripped of the Sussex v Surrey match they were due to stage on May 15. A statement from chairman Peter Southee read: "The reason given is that the coaches and players from Worthing and Haywards Heath think Hastings is too far to travel for a home county game. Needless to say I complained bitterly about the decision. The county executive committee said they would look into the matter...but we have had to cancel the arrangements already made to host the game."