H&B forge links with Spanish tourists

The home veterans side, captained by Dave Upton, included first team regulars Nick Edmonds and Dave Sprinks plus a number of players who hadn't played in quite some time. They managed to win the game by three tries to two but fostering friendships and enjoyment were the main objects of the exercise.

H&B chairman Peter Southee said: "We established a very good relationship with them. Everyone enjoyed it and it was quite a close game. We would like to go around May Bank Holiday next year and it's certainly a possibility that we could make it an annual event. They did say to us they would like to come over again."

Gernica boasted a 35-strong travelling party of which 24 were players and a minute's silence was held in memory of the recent Madrid bombing. Hastings Mayor Cllr Phil Scott presented the match ball before kick-off.