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Sat 01 Oct 2016 · London 2 South East
Hove
1st XV
41
7
Hove had it all their own way !
Ian GEERING2 Oct 2016 - 08:09
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Despite the efforts of the returning Botterman & Waters who added experience and power.
Crowborough could ill afford a bad start to this match, against one of the most fancied sides in the league, so a tip back from the kick off into their own in-goal area, even though quickly grounded, was not exactly the positive beginning that was needed. From the subsequent scrum the quick ball was cycled left through their ominously agile backs for the Hove #11 to touch down what was to be the first of several tries, in what was to be a frustrating afternoon for the coaches and travelling faithful. 5-0
After this initial set-back ‘Boro began to play where they left off at the end of last week’s match to Deal, with Ben Searle delivering quick ball to support runners who off-loaded in the tackle causing consternation in the Hove defence, indeed for much of the half ‘Boro were in the accendancy playing the more constructive attacking rugby but without crossing the home side’s try line.
Both Andy Walters and Matt Botterman made breaks through the generally solid Hove back line, but were agonisingly hauled down inches short of the line by some speedy covering tackles. Unfortunately all the positive attacking play by ‘Boro could not be sustained, and the inevitable spilling of the ball provided excellent counter-attacking ball for the well drilled Hove back line, whom seemingly then appeared to score at will, tearing huge holes through a narrow and porous ‘Boro defensive line.
By half time Hove had added two more tries, converting one, to take the score to 17-0, leaving Crowborough to rue the two missed chances, and a score-line that would have better reflected the first half effort of the visitors.
The second half was much of the same, and although Andy Walters again came close to a score following a break by Gary Stevens, it was Hove who sat back allowing ‘Boro to attack in the sure knowledge that the poor pass; the fluffed catch; or the tackle would eventually create turnover ball allowing the counter attack. Patience paid off in spectacular style, when during a fifteen minute period they ran in five tries converting two to take the score to 41-0 with still ten minutes to play.
Crowborough could have been forgiven if at this point they employed negative tactics to limit any further embarrassment, but to their credit and much to Hove’s surprise, ‘Boro took the game back to Hove , and camped for the final ten minutes deep in the Hove 22, and with Hove having to resort to illegal tactics to break the visitors momentum the referee gave six penalties within kicking range, which ‘Boro ignored so determined were they to cross the line. However with Hove’s defence as impenetrable as the Brighton traffic, and with the clock running down, Hove infringed yet again seeing the offender off to the bin . From the restart the pack drove towards the line with Harry Slatter crossing for a well deserved team try, leaving Chris Yates to add the final two points and in doing so restoring a semblance of pride to the ‘Boro xv. 41-7
After this initial set-back ‘Boro began to play where they left off at the end of last week’s match to Deal, with Ben Searle delivering quick ball to support runners who off-loaded in the tackle causing consternation in the Hove defence, indeed for much of the half ‘Boro were in the accendancy playing the more constructive attacking rugby but without crossing the home side’s try line.
Both Andy Walters and Matt Botterman made breaks through the generally solid Hove back line, but were agonisingly hauled down inches short of the line by some speedy covering tackles. Unfortunately all the positive attacking play by ‘Boro could not be sustained, and the inevitable spilling of the ball provided excellent counter-attacking ball for the well drilled Hove back line, whom seemingly then appeared to score at will, tearing huge holes through a narrow and porous ‘Boro defensive line.
By half time Hove had added two more tries, converting one, to take the score to 17-0, leaving Crowborough to rue the two missed chances, and a score-line that would have better reflected the first half effort of the visitors.
The second half was much of the same, and although Andy Walters again came close to a score following a break by Gary Stevens, it was Hove who sat back allowing ‘Boro to attack in the sure knowledge that the poor pass; the fluffed catch; or the tackle would eventually create turnover ball allowing the counter attack. Patience paid off in spectacular style, when during a fifteen minute period they ran in five tries converting two to take the score to 41-0 with still ten minutes to play.
Crowborough could have been forgiven if at this point they employed negative tactics to limit any further embarrassment, but to their credit and much to Hove’s surprise, ‘Boro took the game back to Hove , and camped for the final ten minutes deep in the Hove 22, and with Hove having to resort to illegal tactics to break the visitors momentum the referee gave six penalties within kicking range, which ‘Boro ignored so determined were they to cross the line. However with Hove’s defence as impenetrable as the Brighton traffic, and with the clock running down, Hove infringed yet again seeing the offender off to the bin . From the restart the pack drove towards the line with Harry Slatter crossing for a well deserved team try, leaving Chris Yates to add the final two points and in doing so restoring a semblance of pride to the ‘Boro xv. 41-7
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