Men’s 1st XV v Lewes 13/10/2007

Home – RFU Senior Vase

Report by Andy Ward

Won 54-21

Hove entertained close neighbours Lewes in the second round of the EDF Senior Vase on Saturday. Hove had hopes of getting a result against their higher positioned neighbours for the first time in several years as Lewes (relegated last year) have been struggling somewhat in SE3.

Such thoughts were put to the backs of minds as Lewes started pushing the weaker Hove pack at will and set up 2 tries in the 12th and 24th minutes (both converted) to take an early 14-0 lead. However, Hove settled down a bit and whilst they could not fully compete in the scrum they were quicker to the breakdown ball and begun to get some possession.

Realising that the way forward was to release their fast backs, Hove began to spin the ball out and the results were both fast and furious!With 30 minutes on the clock, wing Luke Longcroft having been released by Adam Phillips swept in for a try out wide and managed to run in closer to the uprights giving Alex Robertson an easier shot at goal which he duly accepted cutting the lead to 7-14. Four minutes later Ryan Morlen broke free and scored under the posts and Alex obliged to level the scores. A further four minutes saw Luke and then Alex reprising their previous endeavours and taking the score to 21-14. The Hove crowd now sensed that something might just be on. Indeed, a mere 60 seconds later Alex Robertson scored and converted his own try and Hove were suddenly 28-14 to the good as the half time whistle blew.

The second half started and Lewes were showing more resistance until Hove skipper James Finlason went over in the corner for a try that was missed by Alex making the score 33-14 in the 54th minute.

The swashbuckling Adam Phillips, having been in imperious form all afternoon spraying passes to set everyone up decided it was high time he was on the score sheet. Chipping ahead and chasing whilst dodging the despairing lunges of the opposition in a way that seemed almost impossible Adam sliced open the Lewes defence to score a well deserved try which Alex duly converted. 40-14 and Lewes were looking decidedly second best.

Not content with the one try, Adam slipped his tacklers from within his own half and sped for the Lewes line in the 60th minute to score a wonder try that drew applause from both home and away supporters. Again Alex converted to take the score to 47-14.

In the 75th minute, Ryan Morlen was fed quick ball and evaded the wrong footed defence to glide in for his second try of the game and Alex converted to take the score to 54-14. Hove were home and dry. From the kick off, Lewes got possession on the right and a badly timed tackle attempt let them through to score under the posts and to convert. The final score being 54-21.

A good game played in an excellent spirit.