Each year it seems that the RFUs’ computer algorithms’, pits these two side together in late January early February. In the same fixture two years ago the game was postponed due to a water logged Crowborough pitch, and all but a late pitch inspection prevented a repeat.
In their first encounter of the season, the narrow ‘Boro away loss , belied the superiority of the home side, and Hove started this match in similar fashion taking the game to the home side. Within five minutes a ‘ Boro attempted clearance went straight into touch bringing the Hove lineout back to 24 metres from the ‘Boro line.
The Hove catch and roll to the left eventually opened up the right hand wing which half backs O’Connor and Dugard had no problem in exploiting putting wing Patton over in the corner. The kick was missed but Hove had posted and early warning of their attacking intentions. 0-5
This was probably what ‘Boro needed, as five minutes later the pack took the ball into the Hove 22, and after five pick and drives and robust Hove defence, Harry Slatter eventually went over to level the score with Ollie Clinch adding the extra point. 7-5
This stung the visitors into renewed action, and only a last minute cover tackle by Angus Weir prevented a two man overlap move from developing the score further. Hove persevered and a game of tennis ensued as Hove’s kick was fielded by Ollie Clinch, who returned the ball with interest, and as he followed up his kick, Matt Botterman slotting back into the #15 position fielded the return kick and made 40 metres before being tackled 25 metres out, where the official awarded a penalty for coming in at the side. Ollie Clinch took the points, 10-5.
Ollie Clinch slotted a further three points to bring the half to an end, before Hove restarted the match and once more attacked down the left of the field. With a tentative overlap developing, Sam Whiting ignored the obvious pass to step inside and wrong foot the cover defence, slicing through to score to the left of the post for a Dugard converted try. 13-12 Half Time.
With little between the sides, ‘Boro once more moved into the Hove22, and with two ‘Boro dominated scums, but when the outcome was adjudged to be indecisive, the official awarded a third scrum. Crowborough once more put the pressure on, and drove the Hove pack towards their line allowing Tom West to pick up at the back of the scrum , and breaking left with Coonor Hand in support crashed over in the corner. With every point needed Ollie Clinch superbly converted from the touchline to take the score to 20-12.
With Hove out of ‘Bonus point territory and ‘Boro needing every try bonus score they could get, the final ten minutes was to be a nail biting affair, made doubly so when Ali Main cleared his 22 with a kick to the open side that set up a Hove attacked down the left wing, which with the overlap, the score was a forgone conclusion although the kick was missed.20-17
With just 3 points in it and a few minutes remaining ‘Boro were grateful to accept 3 more points from the boot of Ollie Clinch.23-17
Hove are always dangerous when under pressure, and epitomise the competitiveness of this league with a “never say die” attitude. As the clock ran down they put in one final effort and only a huge ‘Boro defensive effort prevented the visitors from crossing the line. From the ‘Boro scrum Ali Main gratefully placed the ball in touch for a Crowborough win 23-17.