Strong case for H&B's defence

Hastings & Bexhill's water-tight defence has been key to the rugby club's success so far this season, according to head coach Chris Brooks.
Harry Walker in possession for Hastings & Bexhill against Brockleians last weekend. Picture courtesy Nigel BakerHarry Walker in possession for Hastings & Bexhill against Brockleians last weekend. Picture courtesy Nigel Baker
Harry Walker in possession for Hastings & Bexhill against Brockleians last weekend. Picture courtesy Nigel Baker

H&B have conceded just 33 points in winning their first six Kent One matches - more than 50 fewer than the next best club in the division.

Brooks said: “Our defence is the linchpin of our game. If you look after the defence, the attack handles itself.

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“Teams get quite disillusioned when all the time they hit a brick wall. Our back row are very quick off the mark and the other lads in the three-quarters, although none of them are particularly enormous, they’re all very tenacious tacklers and it takes a lot for a team to get past the gain line.

Tom Waring goes over for one of his three tries against Brockleians. Picture courtesy Nigel BakerTom Waring goes over for one of his three tries against Brockleians. Picture courtesy Nigel Baker
Tom Waring goes over for one of his three tries against Brockleians. Picture courtesy Nigel Baker

“The turnovers come off the back of our defence and with the pace we’ve got out wide, we can then mount effective attacks.”

H&B will seek to build on their four-point advantage at the top of the table when they host Southwark Lancers tomorrow (Saturday). Although second-from-bottom, Southwark won at home to third-placed Cranbrook last weekend. Kick-off tomorrow is 3pm.

H&B have been very strong on home turf at this level in recent years and Brooks believes going undefeated at Ark William Parker Academy all season is realistic.

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