H&B too hot for Hillians

In perfect playing conditions, it was the dominant forwards who released good ball quickly to allow the exuberant backs to produce their most effective attacking performance in recent memory.

Intelligent running lines, great support play and well-timed passes led to a hatful of well-constructed tries started from all parts of the pitch and all aspects of play, involving virtually every player, and enjoyed by a vocally appreciative touchline.

With influential captain Neil Redman unavailable, and George Cullingford a last minute drop-out with illness, H&B started Martin Sheppard at second row, Paul Northen and Illian Granville at prop and Nick Edmunds and Steve McManus on the flanks.

H&B were 17-0 up within the first 15 minutes. David Northen scored the first of a hat-trick after Piers Claughton - making his H&B debut as half-back partner to his brother Kit - nicked an opposition ball from the back of a scrum in the Hill 22. Fullback Paul Sandeman, who had a peerless kicking day, converted. Piers Claughton scored next after a good break by pacy winger Tom Brampton, Sandeman again adding the points. Forward domination led to two kickable penalties, Sandeman obliging.

Stand-in skipper Rob Sparks was next on the scoresheet with Sandeman converting, followed by a Danny Ralph touchdown. Just before half-time Brampton scored from a snappily executed mismove straight off the training paddock leading to a searing Sandeman break, and leaving H&B 39-0 up.

Minutes after the restart a fine mazy break by fly half Kit Claughton took him under the posts, with Sandeman adding two more points.

Then one of only three penalties conceded by an H&B side much improved in their discipline led to a Hill line-out. A good driving maul by the visitors put them on the scoreboard with a deserved pushover try.

David Northen scored again from a well-worked backs move from a line-out, and Piers Claughton made it 60-5 with a lightning break from the back of a scrum, Sandeman converting. Jimmy Adams then came on for Sandeman, and Andy Hitch - making his first appearance this season - came on for the ever-influential Paul Flood.

Morgan & Lamplugh man-of-the-match David Northen completed his hat-trick after yet another fine move, and iced the cake by kicking the conversion himself.

"Forwards coach Jerry Hohenkerk was very pleased with the way the forwards played again, and their discipline," said H&B spokesman Peter Knight. "Coach Roger Stanley was very pleased too. He's very optimistic about the new half back partnership. He was really pleased to see the ball getting to the backline so quickly, and the backs using it well."

H&B, who lie two points behind Horsham in the table, entertain Heathfield on Saturday December 11, 2.15pm start.