RUGBY: No Cup Run for H&B
30 November: Uckfield 33, Hastings & Bexhill 5
PETER KNIGHT
Quin McManus, now returned from New Zealand
Hastings and Bexhill 1st XV travelled to Uckfield for this first round tie of the Sussex Shield. They were thoroughly beaten by a strong Sussex 1 side, who scored four good tries in the first half, three of which were converted. H&B made only three visits into the opposition half during the whole of this first session.
The loss of Wes Lorman after only five minutes play did not help the Hastings cause; it did, however. give coach Bruce Steadman the opportunity to bring Quin McManus back into the fold after his seven-month absence in New Zealand. He immediately settled to his task.
The second half was less one-sided, and in the 65th minute Frazer McManus crossed the line to give H&B a consolation try. The game was as good as over when Uckfield produced another well-executed move to score a final converted try.
Hastings tackled well and scrummaged hard, but truthfully they were no match for a well-coached and talented squad who are currently top of Sussex Division 1. The H&B man of the match was hooker Josh Clarke, who played well throughout the game.
H&B return to Kent League action next week at home to Whitstable with a 2pm kick off.
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