Men’s 1st XV v Charlton Park 24/11/2007

Away – London 4 South East

Report by Andy Ward

Won 15-11

Hove traveled to South London to take on hosts Charlton Park in this Saturday’s London SE4 encounter. A bitterly cold day saw only a few hardened spectators braving the elements to watch a game that was spoiled somewhat by over zealous whistling from a referee unclear as to the meaning of the word “advantage”. Still, this was the same for both sides and frustration crept into the proceedings and the subsequent issuing of five yellow cards (three for the home side and two for the away) spoiled the proceedings somewhat.

Still, the game started brightly enough with Ryan Morlen going over for the visitors in the first minute with Alex Robertson kicking the extra two points for Hove to take a seven point lead.

Fair play to Charlton Park in that they knuckled down from the early set back and started pressing forward. Such pressure was rewarded by two penalty kicks – both converted – in the 10th and 22nd minutes.

Charlton Park now had the slight edge in the game and were having more of the possession. To say that this was because of refereeing idiosyncrasies may appear somewhat churlish, so we’ll let that pass.

A good move on CP’s right wing saw James Finlason make a try saving tackle only for the ball to bobble awkwardly for Hove – but delightfully for CP who scooped the proffered gift up into their hands and placed it back down over the line for a decent try.

11-7 to the home team as the full back missed an easier kick than his two previous penalties and this was the way it stayed until half time.

The second half started much the same as the first but this time with Adam Phillips taking the yellow jersey by jinking his way through bemused players in a way that seemingly only he can before plopping the ball down in the in-goal area for Hove’s second try. Sadly, the conversion attempt was missed and Hove regained the lead at 12 points over 11.

Hove then suffered from the referee’s Buggin’s Turn on the yellow card front and Chris Henderson, Hove’s loose head was awarded a ten minute rest for good play. In order to satisfy the need for synchronicity and equality in all matters front row flanker Jack Baker was sacrificed on the alter of the referee’s card play and to the fore stepped Bigfoot – Hove’s ageing heavyweight Adam Tunesi to show the London lads what 20 year’s of Uncle Sam’s can do for a figure (a diet requested by none other than Brad Pitt!).

After ten minutes of play, Adam’s yardage was measured in single figures and Chris returned to the fray and Ben Sole replaced Jack who by now was wrapped up in Adam’s training shirt and having difficulty escaping without a map!

On or around the 75th minute (chronology was by now very difficult because everyone else’s watch said that the game should be over but the referee was adamant and ploughed on until darkness fell!)

Hove were awarded a penalty which Alex accepted and Hove now led by 15-11 in what proved to be the final points of this extended game. Hove then suffered a few scares with CP attacking trying to claw back a score which could tilt the game their way. Surely the game must be over “four and a half minutes” was the referee’s shout after about 85 minutes on my watch!

Still, the defence prevailed and eventually some time on Sunday morning the final whistle was blown and Hove had triumphed at CP for the first time in many a year.

Winter Draws on!