Good afternoon all.

With a difficult week for availability and the 2's having to forfeit their game, the 1s managed to get a squad out.

Not to be deterred, the boys gathered at Clapham Junction for the 11:23 train down to the seaside. Lead by our own personal local guide, Darts, the boys made their way to the pitch. A sharp warm up lent itself to a good start for the OH. Hove were put under immense pressure by the boys with all the play in their own 22. Countless penalties conceded by Hove gave us the field position for Cam to run in for the first try of the day. Hove then manged to came back into the game with a controversial chip and chase try, levelling the score. This only added to the fire with more immense pressure being applied by OH. This pressure turned into points in the form of a cross field kick from Fred to myself for a score in the corner. Fred added the extras with a fine conversion from the touchline. What was a pleasant game of rugby quickly turned sour with the Hove captain channelling his inner Mike Tyson and throwing a right hook at Jonny Parr after being dropped by his own team in the lineout. This somehow lead to Jonny being yellow carded for being punched in the head. The ref eventually sore sense and awarded the Hove captain with a deserved red. OH managed to put this aside and get back down into the Hove 22 for Cam to go over for his second of the day and OH's third. Some efficient and structured play from Hove lead them to another two in return. A final play just before the half sore us loose the ball and for Hove to get a breakaway try at the half end. OH just behind at the half.

OH started the second half with a piece of individual brilliance from Elliot, breaking the line and weaving his way through the Hove defence, he created space for me to run down the wing, only to drop the ball on the line and earn myself a deserved dick of the day. Not to defeated by my appalling hands, Elliot managed to get himself in space and get a well deserved try. This unfortunately did not set the tone for the rest of the second half. Some sloppy defending and lack of structure paved the way for Hove to get two unanswered tries. Deflated, but not deafened, some open loose play saw the OH at their best, interlinking offloads and supporting lines saw Cam run in for his third of the day and a hattrick!

Twas a valiant effort from the OH, however the game ended with Hove victorious and the score 39-36.

Big hand to those who changed plans and stepped up to play.

This game highlighted more than ever the importance of getting to training and becoming once again a cohesive team that is regularly playing together. A few extra tweaks to the structure and we will be converting theses narrow losses into bonus point wins!

MOTM - Elliot Hopkins
DOTD - Myself

On to the next game at home to Twickenham. This is set to be a big one with the boys aiming to get back to winning ways.

Kind regards,

Ethan.

The Old Haileyburian RFC

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