H&B almost there in survival mission

Jimmy Adams gathers the ball at a lineout during Hastings & Bexhill's victory over Lewes last weekend. Picture by Simon Newstead

Last weekend’s splendid 32-7 win at home to Lewes has left H&B seven points and two places above a Folkestone side which occupies the final London Three South East relegation spot of third-from-bottom.

That means H&B will stay up unless they lose both of their remaining two games and Folkestone win both of theirs.

H&B head coach Chris Brooks said: “We’re pretty much there, but we won’t be celebrating yet.”

H&B are away to fourth-bottom Park House tomorrow (Saturday) and fourth-placed Bromley next weekend, while Folkestone are at home to leaders Aylesford Bulls and then second-bottom Sheppey.

Influential second row Jimmy Adams is away for the remaining matches, but H&B hope to welcome back Eliot Parry, John Hanagarth and Mark Piotrowski against a Park House side which is a point below H&B having played a game more.

“We played them early in the season when they weren’t up to strength, but they’ve obviously done quite a bit of development since then,” added Brooks.

“It’s a much better scenario than travelling there knowing it’s a must win situation. The squad can be a little bit more relaxed and enjoy the game.”

For a report on the Lewes match, click here.

Standings (played 20 matches unless stated): 1 Aylesford Bulls 87pts. 2 Thanet Wanderers 79, 3 Old Dunstonians 64, 4 Bromley 63, 5 Old Williamsonians (21) 61, 6 Crowborough 54, 7 Lewes (21) 50, 8 HASTINGS & BEXHILL 49, 9 Park House (21) 48, 10 Folkestone 42, 11 Sheppey 8, 12 Crawley (21) -8.

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