Claughton backs H&B Kent move

The rugby club moved from Sussex One to Kent One during the summer and has so far held its own in a stronger division made up entirely of first XVs.

H&B backs coach Claughton, pictured, said: “We went into the Kent League for proper competitive games and to see if we were good enough to go into London Three.

“I think the league’s really offered us week in, week out competitive games which is what we’ve wanted for several years now. Every game has been really tough, but I think we’ve enjoyed every game and we’ve learnt lessons.”

Last weekend’s narrow low scoring defeat away to Cranbrook has left H&B in sixth place with four wins and five defeats from their first nine matches. They entertain second-bottom New Ash Green tomorrow (Saturday).

“We used to be able to bully teams in the Sussex League, but there are no teams we can bully in Kent,” added Claughton. “We’ve had to become a bit fitter, move the ball around quicker and avoid the contact.

“In this league we feel we can win every game and just as easily we can lose every game. But if we’re going to finish in the top half, New Ash Green at home is a game we’ve got to win and win with a bonus point.” Kick-off is 2.30pm.

Elsewhere tomorrow, Rye RFC will go in search of their first away victory of the season in Sussex One when they take on Eastbourne II.