H&B back to their senses

That was how Hastings & Bexhill Rugby Club head coach Kevin Smith described the 27-8 win at home to previously unbeaten Kent One leaders King’s College Hospital last weekend.

The result was something of a surprise given that H&B had their lost their previous two games and KCH had won four out of four.

Smith said:“The improvement was absolutely 100 per cent; you wouldn’t recognise the two teams. I think they (the players) realised that if they lost that game, any chance of having a good season goes out the window.

“We knew we had to produce something and it was pleasurable to watch. We were good defensively and it was just like how it was in the second half of last season. We did everything right and we were a better team than them. They’re a good side, but in some areas we did make them look ordinary.”

Fifth-placed H&B will now be seeking to reproduce their home form on their travels, starting at second-bottom Whitstable tomorrow (Saturday).

“We’ve got to go away to Whitstable and do the same thing,” Smith continued. “Just a one-off isn’t good enough. They’ve got to produce that week in, week out.”

Five wins out of the five, meanwhile, and Rye Rugby Club is buzzing. The New Roaders are now one of only two sides in Sussex One to still boast 100 per cent records, with the other being pace-setters Eastbourne.

“There’s a real buzz about the club,” admitted chairman Tony Pierce. “It’s so much more enjoyable when you win.”

Rye will be hoping to make it six of the best when they entertain third-from-bottom and still winless Hove III tomorrow, kick-off 3pm.