H&B set for top-of-the-table clash

Hastings & Bexhill Rugby Club head coach Kevin Smith believes that a victory away to fellow high-flyers Cranbrook on Saturday could prove to be a big step towards winning the league.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Nov 2013, 17:00 BST
Action from Hastings & Bexhill's last game at home to Old Williamsonians a fortnight ago. Picture by Simon NewsteadAction from Hastings & Bexhill's last game at home to Old Williamsonians a fortnight ago. Picture by Simon Newstead
Action from Hastings & Bexhill's last game at home to Old Williamsonians a fortnight ago. Picture by Simon Newstead

H&B went top of Kent One after winning their last fixture a fortnight ago, while Cranbrook slipped from first to fourth after losing theirs. With three points separating the two teams, H&B now have the chance to build a solid position at the summit.

“We’re playing them at their place and we’ve got to keep winning to maintain pressure,” said Smith. “The fact is we need to keep scoring and trying to get the bonus points. We will keep marching on until Christmas, then we will have a rest and see where we are.

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“Every game is essential. It doesn’t matter whether they’re near the top or right at the bottom. If you’ve got aspirations to win the league, then you should be looking to win every fixture.”

Smith watched Cranbrook win 34-32 away to Eastbourne in the RFU Junior Vase last weekend.

“They’re a very dangerous side,” he added. “They have a very good back division, they offload very well and if it all clicks, they could probably be the best side in the league.”

Standings (all played eight matches): 1 HASTINGS & BEXHILL 32pts, 2 Park House 32, 3 Southwark Lancers 30, 4 Cranbrook 29, 5 Vigo 22, 6 Old Williamsonians 18, 7 Old Gravesendians 17, 8 King’s College Hospital 12, 9 Sittingbourne 12, 10 HSBC 12, 11 Foots Cray 7, 12 Shooters Hill 7.

Related topics:HastingsBexhill