H&B talk up title chances

HASTINGS & Bexhill are good enough to finally win the Sussex Rugby League title in the opinion of assistant coach Rob Hamilton.

H&B finished runners-up in Division One last season but missed out on promotion to London Four in the wake of a play-off defeat at Kent League Ashford.

The addition of three key signings in the shape of Phil Soames, Tony Peek and Paul Flood, named man of the match in the 10-7 friendly win over London Four side Folkestone last weekend, means hopes are high of going one better this time around.

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Hamilton said: "I've no doubt we could. Roger Stanley (head coach) talked to them and he wants to win it outright - we don't want to have to go through another play-off. I think it is realistic on the basis that we've just polished off Folkestone who have finished above Hove. I don't think you can read a lot into that but it does mean we can do it.

"The squad is definitely stronger than this time last season. We've got four quality back row players fighting over three positions and there's competition in most places.

"Everybody will regard Hove as favourites but we will be viewed as somebody who will be up there. I really do fancy us to beat Heathfield (who were relegated along with Hove) both times. I don't think they are quite the force they were. Horsham are a tough side to beat and Crowborough are a very good side as well."

The William Parker School-based outfit open the new campaign on Saturday September 13 with a trip to newly-promoted Burgess Hill. Seb Halligan and Roger Roberts are unavailable but Nick Edmonds will return and they are hopeful over the fitness of Neil Redman (twisted ankle). Steve McManus and Dave Milham are both expected to play little part in the first half of the season.

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