Men’s 1st XV v Betteshanger 24/09/2005

Away – London 4 South East

Report by Andy Ward

Won 16-10

A trip to Betteshanger never fills the team with the excitement that a trip to Pussycats normally achieves, but with the second league match of the campaign to be played, Hove set off to deepest, darkest Deal (where Betteshanger seem to have taken up residence – maybe part of New Labours “New Deal”??).

The game started with Hove the brighter of the two teams and stand off Adam Phillips raced over for an early try which was duly converted by Tom LeMehaute. Tom contributed further to the score with a penalty, although not to be outdone Adam also scored a penalty.

With Betteshanger getting three points in reply from another penalty, the teams turned round with Hove 13-3 to the good.The second half inexorably followed the first in a reassuring confirmation of temporal consistency and so it was that the pattern of penalties also continued in a rather less reassuring manner.

Tom LeMehaute capitalised on a further Betteshanger indiscretion and secured the three points taking his personal tally to eight points for the game – spookily to tie with Adam’s matching eight to record a show of uniformity that should not pass without mention. All seemed sweetness and light until Betteshanger scored a converted try late on in the game which had the Hove nerves jangling somewhat.

Hove managed to hang on and record their second league win of the season and third straight win in the row. Next week sees a possibly sterner test against early leaders Old Elthamians for our first home game of the season. As ever, a Club Lunch will be available for those who wish it.