H&B U12s honour Fraser Mileham in Memorial Cup thriller

Hastings & Bexhill U12s welcomed Cranbrook RFC on Sunday for one of the most meaningful fixtures in their calendar – the annual Yelton Fraser Memorial Cup.

The fixture is played in memory of Cranbrook player Fraser Mileham, who tragically died from meningitis just a week after playing his final rugby match.

On Sunday, both clubs came together to remember Fraser in the best way rugby knows how: by taking to the field and playing a fiercely competitive match in tremendous spirit.

From the opening whistle there was very little to separate the two sides. The lead changed hands repeatedly as H&B and Cranbrook traded tries, with neither team able to establish a decisive advantage. The commitment remained relentless right through to the closing stages, producing a match that was competitive on the field while retaining the respect and sporting values at the heart of the memorial fixture.

H&B crossed six times during the contest. Milo Kofoed and Boston Jenner both touched down, while Callum Carrington-Paines and Samuel Edwards each scored twice.

With the result still in the balance right to the final moments, Cranbrook eventually secured the decisive seventh try to take a 7–6 victory and return home with the Yelton Fraser Memorial Cup.

It was an excellent contest, but on this particular Sunday the significance of the occasion stretched well beyond the final score. Cranbrook also brought an additional team to Hastings, allowing them to play a friendly fixture against visitors from Hove RFC, who joined H&B and Cranbrook in embracing the memorial spirit of the day.

Having players, coaches, families and supporters from three rugby clubs together made for a fitting occasion and demonstrated the sense of community that exists within grassroots rugby. A huge thank you must also go to the H&B supporters, who backed the U12s throughout and, just like the players on the pitch, kept going until the very end.

Congratulations to Cranbrook on retaining the Cup, and thank you to everyone from Cranbrook and Hove who joined us at Hastings & Bexhill for such an important fixture.

Full-time: Hastings & Bexhill U12s 6–7 Cranbrook RFC U12s

Above all, it was a day to come together, enjoy the game and remember Fraser Mileham. Played in his memory and in the true spirit of rugby.