‘We can still do it’ says Smith

Hastings & Bexhill Rugby Club head coach Kevin Smith remains confident that his side can still finish second in Kent One.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Apr 2014, 17:36 BST
Action from Hastings & Bexhill's last home game against Foots Cray a fortnight ago. Picture by Steve HunnisettAction from Hastings & Bexhill's last home game against Foots Cray a fortnight ago. Picture by Steve Hunnisett
Action from Hastings & Bexhill's last home game against Foots Cray a fortnight ago. Picture by Steve Hunnisett

H&B’s hopes of clinching the runners-up spot - and with it a promotion play-off against the equivalent finishers in Sussex One - were taken out of their hands by last weekend’s defeat away to HSBC.

But if H&B win and take a bonus point against Old Gravesendians on the final day of the season tomorrow (Saturday) and Cranbrook lose without a bonus point away to champions Park House, H&B will go forward to the play-off.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It’s in Cranbrook’s hands now. All we can do is keep our 100 percent record at home, put in a good performance, and make sure we don’t lose the ball or make mistakes,” said Smith.

“If I was in Park House’s shoes, I would want to put a marker down. I would want to finish the season on a high and leave a psychological scar for next week in the cup.

“Everyone at Hastings is still competing and playing to get that second place spot. I wouldn’t have people in the team who didn’t have that attitude. We still need to beat Old Gravesendians and hope Park House do us a favour, but if my players do their best, that’s all I can ask for.”

Rye Rugby Club, meanwhile, will wrap up its Sussex One campaign tomorrow with a visit from third-bottom Crowborough II. A second successive victory for Rye would secure a top seven finish.