Men’s 1st XV v Charlton Park 21/01/2006

Home – London 4 South East

Report by Andy Ward

Won 32-13

A hard fought victory and all credit to the players for that. However, there is a worrying trend about the team that causes some angst should we be playing SE3 next year. The game started brightly for Hove, with a break down the middle that saw John Hathaway go over for a good try. Adam obliged with the 2 bonus points with a well taken kick.

Hove then lost their way a little bit and unnecessary kicking just gave the ball to Charlton Park and Hove were forced onto the defensive foot – camped in their own 22. Sloppy tackling let Charlton in for a try which was duly converted. Adam then restarted the game for Hove with a well thought “grubber” style kick – which traveled the necessary distance. Thinking (and its always good to see good players thinking) he chased his own kick and picked up the ball. This completely wrong footed Charlton and good ground was made. The ball then got tangled in the loose somewhat, but was released by James Finlasson and Adam dropped a sweet goal to take the score to 10-7 to Hove.

Again, unnecessary kicking from the back three put the ball Charlton’s way and Hove were on the defence again. Tackling frailties caused Hove to infringe and a penalty ensued which the visitors converted – 10 all. Again, Hove let themselves down with ball retention and the story was repeated. In the Hove 22, Charlton were on the attack and Hove again infringed. A penalty was awarded and Charlton dropped a goal which went in off the ‘post’. Taking the score to 10-13, which was equalled by an Adam Phillips penalty on the half time whistle. Half Time 13-13.

The second half began and now Hove had the low Winter sun behind them which assisted somewhat. Almost immediately the ball was released and Adam raced over for a try which he converted himself to give Hove a 20-13 lead. The game then went both ways with several breaks from both sides – all coming to nothing. The home side were getting a little frustrated, seeing the winning post in sight, but not yet clear enough to be certain. Hove won the ball and a good move saw Adam Phillips clear again and he wrong footed the defenders to sail through under the posts for an excellent try which was converted to take Hove to 27-13 to the good.

At last there was sufficient points difference to be certain of victory, but instead of taking the foot of the pedal, Hove continued to press. Ben Green was yellow carded for tackling too early from a penalty and it looked like Hove might concede a score. However, defensive resolve, saw the attack repelled and Hove countered. A final try by captain James Finlason was just reward for a hard fought game.

Hove triumphed by 32 points to 13 to put behind them the reversal suffered at Charlton earlier in the season. As is traditional, after the game the Hove team awarded their “twat” of the game award and your correspondent was selected for his (allegedly) overly vocal rebukes (if you can’t stand the heat….) Fair game, if you give it you have to take it!

Finally, it cannot go without mention that Horsham did their neighbours a favour by beating Dover thus allowing Hove to go top of the league again. Let’s try and stay there. Well done all.