Greenies Dominate Autumn Friendly Opener

It seemed an age since the team had played their last match winning at Eastleigh on the tour, back in May. There had, however, been some hard fitness, and skills sessions over the summer months which appeared good investment of time on today’s evidence.

Playing up the hill and into the wind for the first half Chester Duff was the first player to open his new season account, after making a great break on an interception he was rewarded with a try, reaching over the line having been brought down short.

The forwards were dominating the scrums even against the head and soon Lucas Cuming released his backs again getting the ball wide on the left hand side to put winger Josh Toyn in for the second try. Two tries up.

Hastings fought back using the slope to their advantage, and clawed backed two unanswered tries before half time and with a conversion led 10- 12 at the break. The team seemed confident and pleased with their efforts and had the majority of possession and territory.

In the second half the Greenies were rampant – railroading every ruck, maul and scrum to get superior possession and convert it into points. Tries rained in from Henry Paul, Phil Sutton, Miles Geldart, and Chester got a second to end things.

Today was a great team effort and a fitting debut game for the new U15 Head Coach, John Parsons. Communication was better and the team worked well as a cohesive unit, the forwards winning great ball at the set piece. Owain as ever, tackled his way through the game, Phil coming on the second half made some of his trade mark head down rumbling runs getting a try for his efforts. Captain Henry Paul was a powerful physical presence – winning some line out ball today, and driving in hard to score from the twenty two. Sam Benians at Full back made a couple of great runs from deep. Well done to Miles Kelly on his Heathfield debut at lock.

Men of the match (chosen by an international panel of three!) were as follows – Chester Duff – for battering through midfield all day and adding a big injection of pace and Miles Geldart for a great amount of work at the breakdown, and a big tackle count today.

Match photos available from Michael for the usual consideration.

Match Report by the Intrepid James Geldart