MEN AGAINST BOYS

H&B arrived at the ground on Saturday expecting to play Worthing II but instead it was the London League high-fliers that took to the field.

The visitors did not stand a chance and did reasonably well to limit the damage to an 86-3 defeat.

Assistant coach Rob Hamilton said: "We took the opportunity to play five colts because we weren't that bothered whether we won the game or not. This was on the pretext that we would be playing their 2nd team but when we got there we were presented by a fait accompli.

"At times it was men against boys, quite literally. There were some stern words between the clubs about it and hopefully it won't happen again."

It's thought Worthing fielded their first team to give them some match practice as their previous fixture had been postponed due to the bad weather.

The speed and power of the home side, who are favourites to win London Three, proved too much and although H&B stuck manfully to their task there was nothing much they could do to prevent them racking up the points.

Hamilton went on: "Worthing were very impressive but played at a level above what we are used to and in rugby you can score 86 points without too much trouble.

"I just hope it has not dented the players' confidence. It's unfortunate because before Saturday we had won seven games on the trot and I'm sure we would have had a chance of beating their 2nd team."

Rob Sparkes was voted man of the match for his all hard work trying to hold together the young back division, while Jimmy Adams had a good game at full back. Steve Kimber grabbed H&B's solitary score with a first half penalty.

H&B should welcome back all their regulars tomorrow (Saturday) for the Sussex Trophy match at home to Heathfield. Kick-off at William Parker is 2pm.