RUGBY: Defeat in Top-of-Table Encounter
14 February: Sittingbourne 33, Hastings & Bexhill 18
MAX MOWBRAY
A depleted Hastings & Bexhill team travelled to Kent League leaders Sittingbourne on 14 February and suffered defeat after a fierce encounter.
Despite a textbook start from H & B, it was the home side that struck first. Within five minutes Sittingbourne had crossed for a converted try to take a 7–0 lead. Playing a structured game which capitalised on their opponent’s mistakes, the Kent side scored twice more before Hastings could respond. Then utility winger Sam Surridge took the visitors’ first points with a well-struck penalty (19-3), and, after half an hour of play, another. At the break H & B trailed 19-6.
The second half began with real intent from the boys in blue & white. The forwards were dominant against the home side’s beefy pack, controlling many of the set pieces. Hooker Chris Pillow linked well with flanker Quinn McManus to win a majority of line-out ball, and youngster Theo Walker put in a solid performance on his 1st XV debut at prop.
MOMENTUM SHIFT
Strong carrying and improved breakdown work paid off when Joe Whitehill James crossed the line for Hastings’ first try (19-11). Although the conversion drifted wide, momentum had clearly shifted.
Sittingbourne responded with a converted try of their own (26–11), but H&B refused to fade. Centre George Feeley powered over the line following sustained pressure, Surridge adding the extras to close the scoreline to 26–18 and set up a tense final quarter.
With both sides attacking hard, it was one-up tackles that ultimately proved Hastings’ downfall. Strong Sittingbourne runners cut through the blue & white defensive line repeatedly, and with 20 minutes to go, the league leaders took another converted score.
With their lead stretched to 33–18, the home side dug in and managed to keep the visitors out for the remainder of the match.
Despite the score, Hastings will take positives from their set piece and link play, which kept them in contention against the top side in the league.
There was no game last Saturday, but a busy end to the season now awaits, with seven league games in the next nine weeks. The top two sides, Sittingbourne and Tunbridge Wells II – each suffering only one defeat all season to date – are unlikely to be overhauled. But H & B will aim to win against the rest in order to secure a third place finish. Tomorrow (Saturday) they host Old Williamsonians.
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