H&B tackle local rivals

HASTINGS & Bexhill will be fighting for local pride on Saturday October 12 when they visit rivals Rye in Sussex Division One.

H&B start as favourites after a flying opening to the rugby season, with league wins over Hellingly and Crowborough and a convincing cup success against Seaford. In contrast Rye have yet to win this season and were thumped 34-7 by Horsham in their last match.

But H&B assistant coach Rob Hamilton refuses to be complacent, saying: "They will be very tough to break down and we cannot afford to relax at all, so we will be going into it determined to win."

David Northen (knee) is missing, so Dave Milham is expected to be included.