Men’s 1st XV v Lewes 14/03/2009

Home – London 3 South East

Report by Andy Ward

Won 41-7

Apologies for a delayed report this week – been busy doing the appeal as a result of the Lordswood farce! Anyways, that’s been sent off now and is in the hands of the relevant committees. All of which leaves a rather nasty taste in the mouth that we have to resort to rule books and legal argument to get back 4 points that we rightfully won on the field of play.

Petrocelli bit over (if you don’t understand, then ask your parents/grandparents depending on your age…). The game started well enough and the honours were pretty much even the opening skirmishes and indeed the first half. First blood was to Hove by Liam Hale – and deservedly enough for what I believe was his first try for the Club. The lunch preceding the game had been invaded by Liam’s family and I joined them on their table and now have a veritable store of embarrassing stories about the lad!

Hove had been awarded a penalty and Sam addressed the ball and let fly, Liam chased and as the ball rebounded off the post, then Liam was ready, caught both the ball and the Lewes team unawares and popped it down for the first score. Sam obliged and what could have been 0 points, or maybe 3 was now 7. Always pays to keep awake at these times…

Three minutes later, Hove got a penalty and there was no need for Liam’s scavenging this time as the ball went true and Hove were looking comfortable with a 10-0 advantage. Right before the death of the first half an interception allowed Lewes to get a try – subsequently converted – to finish the half with Hove leading by a mere three points at 10-7.

The second half started with Lewes taking the kick off and the sun was still shining, the beer was nice and cold and all seemed right with the world as we hadn’t heard the news yet!

After five minutes, Sam scored and converted a try and ten minutes later Matt Sole scored the second try of the half but the kick was missed. Hove were putting together some good rugby and Lewes were not up to the pace.

Four minutes later, skipper Glenn Rankin scored, Sam converted and Lewes were out of it at 29-7 with a mere 20 minutes of the half gone. Time for the coaches to shuffle the pack and Josh Wren came on for Brian Spring.

Hove took the foot off the gas a little – perhaps they wouldn’t had they known – and it was a further 15 minutes before Ryan broke from full back and went over for the fifth Hove try of the game. Sam scored the conversion and then Paddy and Jack came on for Dipo and Matt within minutes of each other. Paddy then scored the final try and Sam took the kick. A difference of opinion amongst the touch judges saw a bit of semaphore go on and both I and the scoreboardmeister (Mr. Statto) had recorded it as a further two points. Later, the referee corrected that and thus it was a miss with the final score being 41-7.

So, by rights after being second last week and winning we must still be second – yes? No, we are now fourth behind both OR and Aylesford. Sunday sees us entertain Worthing II in the Sussex Cup and no doubt the scrutineers will be fully employed with their duties! Following that we are back on league duty for the run in. Can I ask everyone to get down and support the team both Home and Away and let’s roar them on to 3 out of 3.