Men’s 1st XV v East Grinstead 28/01/2006

Away – London 4 South East

Report by Andy Ward

Won 36-15

The game started in very cold and blustery conditions right at the top of the Sussex Downs; brass monkeys would be the correct term. After some to-ing and fro-ing by both sides Hove opened the scoring through a James Finlason try which was readily converted by Adam Phillips 7-0.

Less than 30 seconds had gone on the clock when East Grinstead scored an unconverted try 7-5. Half way through the first half East Grinstead converted a penalty to take lead 7-8. This was followed on the half hour with a try scored and converted by Adam Phillips which resulted in the final score of the first half 14-8 to Hove.

Three minutes into the second half Matt Wilson scored a fine No.8’s try, again converted by Adam Phillips 19-8. In the 50th minute, East Grinstead reduced Hove’s lead with a converted try 19-15. Ten minutes later Nick Marshall scored a winger’s try on the left-hand side which went unconverted 24-15.

Not to be outdone, Rupert Pratt scored a try on the right which Adam Phillips converted 31-15. The final score of the day went to a Try from debutante Thomas Milburn completing a fine away League win for Hove 36-15.