H&B slump to opening day defeat

THE championship ambitions of Hastings & Bexhill suffered an unexpected setback with a 19-12 defeat at Burgess Hill on the opening day of the Sussex rugby season.

Playing up the slope in the first half, H&B went behind to a chip by the Hill fly half - who had a golden day with the boot - chased by the wing who touched down with half H&B clinging on to him. This was followed by a penalty converted from touch on the halfway line to put the hosts 8-0 ahead.

Ben Woolcott replied with a try on the right wing for H&B, but two more collossally-struck penalties saw the home side open up a 14-7 at half-time.

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With the slope behind them H&B should have been able to come back, but despite relentless pressure on the Hill line it was H&B who conceded a second, breakaway, try. Redman's late effort made it 19-12, and there it stayed.

"We were all extremely depressed," admitted manager Rob Hamilton. "We didn't deserve to win. It was like a cup tie, they were extremely fit and gave a phenomenal effort. We tried to force it, and paid the price."

H&B face the traditionally bruising Kent One outfit Sheppey at home on Saturday September 20 in the first round of the Powergen junior vase.

Then the following Saturday it's a chance to make amends in the league when they host newly-demoted Heathfield, who will also fancy their chances of going straight back up.