H&B promotion challenge looks doomed

Although the scoreline flattered Chichester, H&B failed to convert their chances and were put to the sword by two late tries.

H&B are now four points behind the top two and assistant coach Rob Hamilton believes the gap is too large to close. He said: "I don't want to be the source of demoralisation but it would take some very surprising results for us to catch up.

"I believe we can beat Heathfield on the last day of the season but I can't see where else they will lose. The gap between the top and bottom is so great it will take a great result for one of the lower teams to beat them."

Playing against a strong wind in the first half, H&B trailed 7-0 at the break after a controversial try by Phil Davies when there appeared to be a knock-on.

H&B piled on the pressure in the second period but fell further behind when a defensive error allowed Tim Rogers to score.

Paul Sandeman dragged H&B back into the game with an excellent break which he converted himself for 12-7 only for Chichester to score against the run of play through Steve Bradford and ended the game as contest when Richard Johnson added a fourth.

H&B play a friendly against Sussex Two East leaders Seaford on Saturday March 2 and will experiment with David Northern at fly half to replace Ben Campbell who will be playing in Australia for a year.

Hamilton will also need to find a replacement for Australian Warrick Benson who has been signed by a team in Chicago, USA. The venue for the game has not been decided.