Hove U15 Boys - Blues Blaze to Victory in Sussex League Opener

Hastings & Bexhill RFC – Sunday 12:30 KO

Final score: Hastings 0 – 70 Hove (official result recorded as 50–0)

The Hove Blues Under-15s began their Sussex League campaign in dazzling fashion on Sunday, running in a flurry of tries to overcome a spirited Hastings & Bexhill side 70–0 in their opening fixture.

It was the Blues’ first league outing of the season and, despite playing away from home due to pitch constraints at Hove, they showed from the outset why they’ve been back-to-back league champions.

Fast Start and Relentless Pressure

From the kick-off, Hove meant business. Immediate pressure on the Hastings 22 turned over possession, and after a series of crisp rucks, Callum M. fired the ball wide to George H., who sliced through the defence to score with just two minutes on the clock. He then calmly slotted the conversion to make it 7-0.

Moments later, a towering take from Gabriel H. set up another attacking platform, with support arriving quickly from Ollie O, Matanios A, and Archie R. A knock-on gave Hastings their first scrum, but the Hove defence—anchored by the fearless tackling of Huw L and the industrious Luca B — snuffed out any progress.

When Hove earned a penalty for offside, they kicked deep for touch. From the resulting lineout, Luca climbed highest, and the pack powered forward in a textbook rolling maul. Gabriel broke from the back and muscled over for Hove’s second try, again converted by George.

Clinical Finishing Across the Park

Hove’s defensive shape held firm as Hastings resorted to the boot, but back-field players Ethan G, Arthur R, Ben W and Matt C were rock-solid under the high ball. When Arthur fielded a kick deep in his own half, he ran it back with intent, linking beautifully with Luca before finishing the move himself in the corner for 19-0.

A string of penalties briefly disrupted Hove’s rhythm, but the heavy artillery of Harry B, Luke O and Jeff S continued to dominate the set piece, while Matanios and Archie worked tirelessly at the breakdown. From another attacking platform, George found Arthur in space, who crashed through defenders for his second try.

Moments later, slick handling from the backs saw Arthur complete his hat-trick under the posts, George again adding the extras. Ben then combined superbly with Arthur down the left touchline to claim a well-deserved score of his own, before George and Huw added a try apiece on the stroke of half-time—Huw’s effort following a thunderous carry from Matanios, who bulldozed through half the Hastings team in beast mode.

At the break, Hove led 46-0, and the travelling supporters could only applaud the precision, pace, and teamwork on display.

Second-Half Changes, Same Intensity

Fresh legs took the field for the second half: Harry S came on at scrum-half, Callum movingto inside centre, Chris Y and Jude S slotted onto the wings, Ethan shifted to full-back, and Matthew C entered the fray at flanker.

Hastings came out fighting, determined to show the spirit that earned them promotion, but Hove’s defence remained impenetrable. Harry marked his debut with a confident early carry from kick-off, and the forwards’ discipline at the maul soon earned a penalty and attacking lineout. Gabriel finished another rolling maul for his hat-trick—met with cheers from the vocal away fans.

A moment of brilliance followed from George, who chased his own chip over the line, regathered, and linked with Matthew C on the support line for a superb score. With George’s conversion, the scoreboard ticked further in Hove’s favour.

Kriz re-entered the game at number eight and immediately made his presence felt, charging over from ten metres for a powerful try beneath the posts. After another midfield surge, Arthur crossed for his fourth of the day, converted by Huw to round off the performance.

A Statement Performance

The final whistle blew at 70-0 (officially capped at 50-0 under league regulations). It was a complete team display: strong set pieces, quick ruck speed, and creative, flowing rugby throughout.

The Hastings officials praised Hove as “one of the most polite and courteous teams they’ve played,” while the opposition’s Man of the Match went deservedly to Matanios for his relentless work rate, leadership, and powerful running.

There’s still room for improvement—discipline around the offside line will be a focus in training—but this was an emphatic opening statement from the reigning champions. The Hove Blues are back, and they mean business.