Men’s 1st XV v Lordswood 09/10/2004

Away – London 4 South East

Report by Sandy Robertson

Lost 10-32

A difficult away fixture against “unknown” opposition. Despite valiant performances by the front five – especially co-opted Huw Powell (well done lad!) – the Lordswood pack was far too powerful and well drilled. This gave Lordswood their platform for victory and, despite some good performances, Hove were on their way to their second defeat in successive weeks.

Here follows an update from our man on the spot Sandy “Eh Up” Robertson. Hove traveled to league newcomers Lordswood, with some players missing and others making their first team debut including some of the Colts from last year.

It was obviously going to be a difficult job as the Lordswood pack was dominating in every set piece. Having said that, they only scored one try from their dominant pack, the other tries came from our silly mistakes which I can only put down to leaving our brains, hands and B???????????S in the changing room.

The match was marred by the injury to our 1st XV debutant Bradley Westcott who had to leave the field after making a heavy tackle on their No 8 and having to be replaced by Joe Brooking at the No 7 position – who didn’t do a bad job.

The moment of amusement came in the second half when a Hove player half charged down a clearance kick from Lordswood only for then our own player Jason (Left all brain cells in changing room) to leap above all the other players around him and punch yes PUNCH the chuffing ball forwards from our 10 metre line, thus resulting in a deliberate knock on and a penalty.

Thus this member of our young first XV has to now have in his kit bag for inspection a goalkeeper’s glove. His name is Jason Ellison; a very good team member and club person but still has a little to learn. Methinks. Well-done lads – gritty display and, as they say, things can only get better.

Sandy