Rugby club learning fast

Hastings & Bexhill are learning fast according to coach Kevin Smith.

Despite the rugby club’s two-match winning start in Kent One coming to an end with a 39-20 loss at Shooters Hill last weekend, Smith maintains “there was nothing there to be depressed about”.

He said: “It’s a learning curve and what I’m pleased about, even in defeat, is that we’re learning lessons. We gave far fewer penalties away this week than last week. I think we’re learning and I think we will be stronger for it.”

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H&B are in seventh place, albeit with a game in hand on all of the top five, while Shooters Hill, who boast a proud home record, are up to second with three wins from four matches.

“I think there’s going to be as tough games,” continued Smith. “But we’re going to man up a bit over the course of the next few weeks and those margins (19 points) aren’t going to happen again - I think that’s a one-off.

“I think the players understand what’s expected of them. They need to switch on from the moment they get to the club, not when the whistle blows. We were just a little bit off the mark on that.”

H&B return to William Parker Sports College tomorrow (Saturday) to face an Old Gravesendians outfit which lies in fifth place with two wins and two defeats so far. Kick-off is 3pm.

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Smith went on: “I fancy our chances against any side in this league. We want to win every game we play and we certainly want to win at home. I think it will be a good game.”

Elsewhere tomorrow, Rye RFC will travel to Brighton II in Sussex One. For all the latest on H&B and Rye rugby clubs, see today’s Observers.

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