Hove Reds U15s 29 - Wimbledon 19

Hove Reds U15s bounced back from their opening game loss in the Surrey Cup the previous week with an impressive win, and an equally performance at home to a powerful Wimbledon side.

With a clear determination to raise their levels Hove started strongly - on the front foot defensively dominating the early collisions and breakdowns, and showing their quality with repeated use of the use of the ball across the width of the pitch. Alex was back on form dancing down the wing side stepping defenders for the first early try (5-0). Hove were quickly on the attack down the same left wing, getting supporting forwards in the back line with Mathew breaking the line and fixing the last defender to put Josh C in for the 2nd try, converted by Sam (12-0). With our forwards working as units Hove competed well against the strong Wimbledon pack, and it was against the run of play that Wimbledon got onto the scoresheet. Quick ball from the scrum saw Hove out-manoeuvred with a well rehearsed backline move that found the extra man (12-7). However Hove came back strongly for the rest of the half - Josh G, Luke, Reuben and Luca all matching the Wimbledon forwards, and swift use of the ball from Oli and Matt C ensured we continued to find space on the edge. From one of these moves Mathew again found room with a late support run to work the space for his first of the game (19-7). And just before half time Luke found space wide and provide the pass to Matthew for his second of the match (24-7).

The 2nd half was a more even affair with Wimbledon using their strength in the pack well and they edged the points. Denzel cam up with a well worked try from a ruck, as we work the ball through the phases. But this was sandwiched between 2 tries and a converation to Wimbledon as they started to dominate the territory. Some determined defence including 2 hold ups over the line ensure Hove came out on top with a win their quality of play and workrate thoroughly deserved. Final score 29-19.