Hove U15s Boys Reds Show Grit in Narrow Victory where Rugby was the Winner.

Hove Under 15s Reds produced a spirited performance on the road to secure a 24–19 win against a strong Cranleigh side in an exciting and end-to-end encounter played out in the finest spirits of the game.

Cranleigh started the stronger - securing possession in the Hove half. After a brief spell on the back foot Hove got some momentum with early carries by Denzel and good support securing the rucks and finally Hove gained a foothold in the Cranleigh half. However, an attack to the right resulted in a kick through that didn't come off and set Cranleigh back on the attack. From the break they secured a penalty on the Hove 22 and the resulting drive and maul set up the eventual first try.

Hove then started to move forward with purpose - Jez stole possession in our 22 which then saw us progress play through hands moving left to right - using forward pods to secure multiple phases, and strong support play. A scrum saw Conor pick and go, the ball arriving to Denzel who drove under the posts, quick ball out of the ruck into Oli who produced a missed pass to Ben and a fine try.

Hove then quickly we went ahead - a secure restart saw Alex drive down the left wing - again with good support play this time by Max - saw the ball move across the field to the right, Oli carried and then passed wide - a quick misfield was retrieved by Chris who drove down the inside right channel into the hands of Ben for an excellent second try - this time converted under the posts.

Cranleigh came back from the restart and a line out followed by good movement was seen out by Ben. Chris anticipated the next move and tackle and rob saw Hove run the ball back from our try line with a break from Oli, into forwards with another run from Conor - only to see the ball lost in the ruck.

After a series of contested midfield plays Hove secured a scrum, and a quality pick and by from Conor at 8 saw him carry the ball 20 yards, Denzel supported and then into the hands to Oli saw his run fall short. The resulting line out saw us regain possession and Denzel crash over from 10 yards.

The second half was fiercely contested, From the restart an early break by Ben went through the hands of 2-3 players but fell short of the posts. Hove continued to keep the pressure in Cranleigh's half. Upon 70 mins - Alex attempted an audacious bicycle kick and catch down the left wing only to have a foot in touch.

Cranleigh then started to gain some momentum, as Hove started to tire, forcing penalties at the breakdown, but Hove always responded strongly. And then a break from Hove on the halfway line saw the ball move from Sam to Oli and then to Alex to gain territory and force another penalty. Cranleigh turned the ball over, and pegged Hove back. However in the next phase Hove's defensive lines speed forced another turnover and we went through the hands again - Conor to Denzel to Oli and then to Max and finally Alex for a fine team try.

Cranleigh, however, rallied with a quick tap-and-go try following a penalty, and another score under the posts after sustained pressure, bringing the score to 19–24.

Hove pushed for a final score with Alex once again storming down the wing, but a knock-on in contact ended the match.

It was a display full of desire, teamwork and hard running from Hove, who held on for a deserved away win against determined opposition.

Our thanks for Cranleigh for being such fine hosts where the game of rugby was truly the winner.

Final Score: Cranleigh 19 – 24 Hove U15

Hove Tries: Ben (1), Ben (2), Denzil (1), Alex (1)

Conversions: Sam (2)