Men’s 1st XV v Worthing 04/05/2010

Away – Sussex Cup Final

Report by Andy Ward

Won 23-3

The first Sussex Trophy final to be held under floodlights was a theme common to contributors from Crawley, Worthing and Hove in the foreword of the programme. Quite possibly, the first Sussex final in which a second team has been represented – I’m unsure of that, but I think so. So, Worthing II are to be congratulated on reaching that pinnacle and beating several first XV teams on the way no doubt.

It was Hove’s second final in successive years and after losing last year’s final to Chichester, you could sense a determination to go one better this year. After disposing of last year’s final opponents in this year’s semi, there was a degree of synchronicity in that this year’s final opponents were last year’s semi final opponents! Clear? Good.

After a degree of discussions, the kick off was set for 19:45 and occurred – according to my watch – at 19:47 and Adam kicked off to set things in motion. The ball found a Worthing player but Hove were up in numbers and turned the ball over. A kick into the Worthing 22 was made and the chase was on, but the full back was well positioned to catch and call for the mark.

From this, a throw to Hove but a transgression saw Worthing awarded a penalty which they missed. That was to be their only scoring opportunity of the half as Hove took control and started to make advances into Worthing territory.

A speculative hoof at the sticks was tried by Adam – buoyed no doubt by his success of the other week, but the posts weren’t threatened. A minute later Ben had a chance to further worry the posts but the penalty was not good and the chance went begging. Three minutes later, an easier chance was offered but big game nerves must have been jangling and this chance was missed as well.

After twenty minutes of play and no score, the referee decided that the Worthing number 1 had to go for ten minutes after there had been persistent infringements. This was to sound the death knell to Worthing and you wonder why players make these decisions sometimes? In the hope that the referee won’t spot them? Still, after you’ve had a couple of warnings you have only yourself to blame for letting down your team mates like this.

And, let them down he did, because whilst he was relaxing for his ten minutes, Hove scored 8 points and got the wind in their sails. First a penalty by Ben as a result of the infringement that saw the 1 go off and then a well worked try finished off by Sean Taylor in the far corner – conversion missed. Adam had a further drop goal attempt just before the prop came back on but this too was off target.

On thirty five minutes with Hove in the ascendancy, Dave Wattam punched a hole in the Worthing line and let Liam loose to go over for Hove’s second try of the game and to take the score to 13-0 where it stayed until half time.

I must mention a near miss though as a good run by Ben Ward, Ryan Morlen and Adam Phillips almost saw Hove get a third try on the stroke of half time and the handling, passing and running involved was a delight to watch.

After half time was done, Worthing came out with renewed vigour and camped in Hove’s 22 for 15-20 minutes in their best spell of the game. Dom went off and Paul came on to freshen up the scrum as Worthing were battling in the far corner for the break through. Three times they went blind on the scrum and three times Hove tackled them and held them up.

The ball switched open and Hove transgressed and Worthing kicked the penalty to record their only score of the game – a poor return for 15-20 minutes of possession and territory. I think at that moment, the Hove team knew they had weathered what Worthing could muster and I also feel that was the case for Worthing too, as their attack faltered after that.

It was Hove’s turn to take possession and as Seb came on for Nick his running caused Worthing problems and a chance went begging that was oh so close. Within a couple of minutes though, Hove were seven more points to the good as Matt Sole went over and Ben converted to take Hove to 20-3 with about 8 minutes left.

Barring a miracle, the trophy was Hove’s.The miracle was not offered and Hove finished the game off with a penalty as the last act of the game to take the final score to 23-3.

So, for Hove the spoils and for Worthing the let down of perhaps not performing as quite they might. But take nothing away from Worthing who were hampered by the rules of the competition as to who was eligible to play.

Hove have now had the icing on our cake and have just had their most successful season ever. First time in level 6 and first time to win the Sussex Trophy. Smile and enjoy yourselves today – for tomorrow the hard work starts.

All this will soon be history and last year’s achievements. If we wish to do well next season, then we have to knuckle down and get on with it. When the league fixtures start – we will all be equal placed on zero points and I would hope that situation last only one day.

So, many congratulations to all the players, to the management, to the coaches, to the physio, to all those who help in whatever capacity – you are all part of the wider team. So, clap yourselves on the back for you ALL deserve it.

Finally, may I say a BIG THANK-YOU to the Hove Under 10s and their coaches for coming up on the day and supporting the first XV. As they say – one good turn deserves another – so let me know if you get to any finals and I’ll do my utmost to get some of the first XV to return the favour.

Right – Ibiza next week and some serious partying to be done. I’m not sure how many of us are going now – but the number seems to increase weekly. The AGM is on the 27th – and you should attend as there is a BIG decision to be taken. If you don’t come then you can’t moan – and then the season starts on June 1st and I will roll the database over.

Finally, Man of the Match. Well, I’m not going to pick one. It’s a team game and it was a team effort. I will however, mention both Jake Evans and Ben Ward in dispatches as both are just 18 (one might still be 17!) and both played blinders. Ryan looked good after a long time out through injury. Rory – well he just played as ever and must have covered every blade of grass out there. Watty – similar; Liam was always where he needed to be. Matt and Adam went from strength to strength, Sean and Nick were always ready to do the work. If I’ve missed anyone – then apologies. It wasn’t intentional. Everyone played well.

Well done guys.