Men’s 1st XV v Beccehamian RFC 19/01/2008

Away – London 4 South East

Report by Andy Ward

Won 22-12

Almost no match reports this week folks as your correspondent got lost on the way after being distracted at the Anne Summers HQ and took the wrong turning! After passing through the thong and dildo section, we ended up on a private estate and then had to ask at a local Sainsburys! Oh the shame. Maybe I will invest in a SATNAV after all…Still, enough of this and on with the report. We arrived bang on 14:15 and were in time to witness the kick off. Banking on there being no score in the first five minutes (there wasn’t) your weary travelers availed themselves of Beccehamians’ facilities and got a couple of pints to help the reporting…First blood was to Hove as Adam Phillips intercepted a wayward pass from Beccs and stormed home under the posts to add the first five points to Hove’s account. Dan Penney then converted what could be viewed as a fairly easy kick – but they all have to go over to be awarded the augund of the two points.From a Hove perspective, things were looking good. Young Charlie Brock playing his first senior game at Hooker did extremely well and the throwing in at the line was much improved over previous weeks. Dan Penney – new at the Club was showing some good touches and the front row was a little steadier with Brian Spring and Dom Henderson bringing that touch of experience in the black arts.Sadly, though this wasn’t enough to strengthen the scrum enough and Beccs were capable – and willing – to shove Hove back at every opportunity. A bit more weight is still needed and more shove. It was one of these occasions that led to Hove conceding towards the end of the first half as Beccs were awarded a series of scrums which they managed to take hold of and moved inexorably towards the Hove line. Hove resistance was eventually insufficient and five points were awarded to the home team and the conversion was straight between the posts to make it an even seven points all at half time.In a satisfying manifestation of all things temporal, the second half conveniently followed the first and the play resumed with Hove showing more edge to their play. After a few midfield skirmishes, Dan Penney kicked a ball into space down the left touchline and this time it was Alex Robertson’s turn to show off his sprinting credentials as he chased the ball moving closer to it than the defenders. A decent bounce allowed Alex to scoop the ball into his willing hands and to get over the line and pop it down despite the attention of a couple of Beccs defenders .Dan stepped up again for the conversion, which was looking good but sadly clipped the post and so the score remained at 12-7 to Hove. Five minutes later, Hove were awarded a penalty and skipper Glen (Up Town, Top) Rankin pointed straight for the posts to allow Dan a further chance to show his kicking skills. Despite being close to the half way line, Dan accepted the challenge and the result was a fine penalty score – plumb in the middle of the uprights.Hove were now sensing that victory could be on the cards and some good play ensued. Ryan Morlen got the ball and made some yards, before throwing a good pass to the waiting Adam Phillips. Kicking in the afterburners once more Adam raced for the line, shimmying past a couple of defenders who were left waltzing with no partner, to touch down some five metres left of the uprights. This time, no mistake from Dan as the ball flew over and the score was now 22-7.Beccs finally realised that they were about to lose this game unless they upped their act and – possibly remembering the earlier fixture at Hove – came out fighting and looked a transformed team. Wave after wave of attacks successfully repelled by Hove but Beccs were firmly camped in Hove territory. After several phases of play, Beccs finally scored their second try of the game, but failed with the conversion attempt and so the score was 22-12 to Hove. This remained until the final whistle and Hove thus cemented their second place in the table with a good away win over the 3rd place. Crowborough (next weeks opponents) and current 4th place were postponed. This now gives Hove a current 5 point gap to third place and we will need to play at our best against Crowborough to try and enhance that lead.