Men’s 1st XV v Brighton 14/01/2006

Home – London 4 South East

Report by Andy Ward

Lost 13-17

The local derby for the annual John Shelton Memorial Trophy once again proved to be an entertaining affair and resulted in a very close match. Hove started brightly with the conversion of a penalty after 2 minutes by Adam Phillips, 3-0. This was followed 7 minutes later with an unconverted try by Alex Robertson, extending Hove’s lead to 8-0. Brighton responded with an unconverted try halfway through the first half, which resulted in a Half-Time score of 8-5 in Hove’s favour.

The second half started with Hove scoring an unconverted try from Adam Phillips, 13-5. Brighton responded with an unconverted try after 55 minutes and a converted try after 70 minutes to take the lead for the first time in the game. Hove attacked in the final 10 minutes but Brighton managed to repel all advances.

Thus retaining the John Shelton Memorial Trophy by 17 points to 13. There is always next year for Hove, as the matches are getting ever closer.