H&B eye up first home win

Action from Hastings & Bexhill's game away to Uckfield earlier in the season. Picture courtesy Ron Hill (HillPhotographic)

H&B will take on Uckfield buoyed by an encouraging performance in defeat at Old Dunstonians last weekend. Kick-off is 2.30pm.

“It was a superb game of rugby, but we’re always the bridesmaid,” said H&B head coach Kevin Smith, who singled out Joe Ward and Chas Ackerley for special mention. “Before we knew it we were 15 points down, but I would say for 60 minutes we were the better side.

“The boys played very, very well and we came away like we won. I think it’s the most sustained period of play that we’ve done well. Our backs really looked dangerous and the forwards really charged at the defence.

“Other than the first 20, 25 minutes our defence was solid and it was probably the best discipline at the breakdown I’ve seen them do this year. All through the team we made a nuisance of ourselves.”

Second-bottom H&B are four places and 26 points behind Uckfield, but were only beaten by nine points in the reverse fixture.

“It would be great if we could get a win,” added Smith. “If we can maintain that performance (from the Dunstonians game) and then some, we will win on Saturday.”

Rye Rugby Club, meanwhile, will travel to Worthing Senior I in Sussex One tomorrow fresh off its best performance of the season in a 36-14 defeat at home to second-placed Burgess Hill last weekend.