Men’s 1st XV v Ashford 08/01/2005

Home – London 4 South East

Report by John “Statto” Harrison

Won 35-14

Hove who were without Rupert Pratt, Adam Phillips and Richard Jackson (who? Ed), along with injured Matt Card and Martin Lovell won a somewhat scrappy match against Ashford quite easily in the end. Early pressure from the home side told and led to a five metre scrum from which John Oades (watch those hands – Ed) went over to score the first try of the afternoon.

On the fifteen minute mark, Hove won a further scrum near the Ashford line and Chris Henderson danced (did I read that correctly – Ed) over the line for a try. Neither of these was converted. Hove 10-0 to the good. Ashford began to get more into the game and were starting to put more pressure on the home defence and were awarded a penalty for their efforts.

Mitch Evans hit the upright from the place kick and the ball came back out into open play. On twenty-six minutes, Hove increased their lead after some good midfield play working the ball out to Lock Loz Doggett who raced in to score in the corner (Jacko would never have raced – Ed!). Once again the conversion was missed and Hove were 15-0 to the good.

The second half began as the first had finished with Hove on the attack – being denied a potential try by an offside decision. A scrum on the Ashford 22 found James Finlason in open space and he ran in to score. 20-0.

Immediately following the restart Ashford got on the scoreboard when a difficult bounce wrong footed (ageing) stand off Joe Brooking resulting in an injury and his having to be substituted. Before this could occur, the devilish ball bounced straight to Ashford flanker Owen Roberts who scored under the posts.

This was converted. 20-7. Some splendid play by James Finlason started the move for Hove’s next try which was scored by Tom Le Mehaute who also added the conversion (is there no beginning to his talents – Ed). 27-7. Hove increased their lead by a further three points with Tom Le Mehaute being successful with a penalty.

Ashford’s second try came almost from the kick off as Tom Hathaway ran in to score. This was also converted which made the score 30-14. In the dying minutes, Hove flanker John (not so ginger) Medhurst made a break for Nick Marshall to score in the corner making the final score Hove 35 Ashford 14.