EASTBOURNE UNDER 14s OVERCOME COUNTY CHAMPIONS

Eastbourne Under 14s 7 – Hove Under 14s 0

Eastbourne RFC Under 14s played their final game of this season’s Sussex A League fixtures at home against Hove, the County champions from 2007. Following Eastbourne’s impressive performance against Worthing, another massive outing against Hove was required to guarantee Bourne’s participation in next season’s Sussex premier league. Eastbourne had never beaten their opponents in a competitive fixture and in the corresponding game in 2007 Hove had delivered a masterclass in competitive running rugby.

From the start it was obvious that there had been a significant improvement by Eastbourne. The home scrummage regularly pushed their opponents off the ball and although Hove’s speedy backs threatened on occasion it was clear that Bourne’s organisation in defence, lead by an aggressive performance by Josh Groocock, was never likely to be breached. Whenever there was a threat the understanding between halfbacks Andrew Chapman and Tom Biltcliffe quickly eased the pressure.
Following a period of Hove possession the halfbacks broke away from defensive duties and this lead, through canny kicking, to an attacking scrum close to the Hove line. Immediate possession to Bourne was quickly recycled and Dan Bevan, an athletic presence all season in the back row, powered over for a decisive score.
The second half saw Eastbourne thwarted in adding to their tally but never threatened by an increasingly frustrated Hove.
The score did not do justice to an Eastbourne team finally realising its ability. If similar purpose had been shown in earlier games this season then there is little doubt that this talented squad could have featured in the league final to be held in mid April. The pleasing prospect is that this team should now believe that with proper direction and application next season they may prove to be the best in Sussex.

Anyone wishing to join this ambitious squad should speak to Paul Feist on 07971 579443.
Eastbourne Under 14s:

Forwards: Sam Barrett, James O’Donnell, Jason Kearns, Patrick Feist, Charlie Di Lieto, Jack Schuler, Dan Bevan, Lewis Andrews, Jason Kearns, Jordan Smith, Chris Hibberd,

Backs: Andrew Chapman, Tom Biltcliffe, Will Bettles, Josh Groocock, Callum Dunk, Jake Giles, Daniel Woods, Harry Wills, Farhad Rahmani, Scott Backler.