H&B expecting rivals to raise their game

Chris Brooks says his Hastings & Bexhill Rugby Club players must be prepared for opposing teams raising their game in a bid to claim their scalp.
Lineout action from Hastings & Bexhill's win at home to Southwark Lancers last weekend. Picture courtesy Karen WalkerLineout action from Hastings & Bexhill's win at home to Southwark Lancers last weekend. Picture courtesy Karen Walker
Lineout action from Hastings & Bexhill's win at home to Southwark Lancers last weekend. Picture courtesy Karen Walker

H&B are four points clear at the top of Kent One having won all of their opening seven matches, scoring 237 points and conceding only 38.

“If I was them (opposing teams), that’s how I would (approach playing H&B),” said H&B head coach Brooks. “We wanted to be the team that beat (2015/16 champions) Sheppey last season. You do set yourselves up as a target and it’s a case of avoiding the banana skin.”

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H&B will seek to continue their 100 percent record tomorrow (Saturday) when they travel to sixth-placed King’s College Hospital.

Two H&B players tackle a Southwark Lancers opponent. Picture courtesy Karen WalkerTwo H&B players tackle a Southwark Lancers opponent. Picture courtesy Karen Walker
Two H&B players tackle a Southwark Lancers opponent. Picture courtesy Karen Walker

“On paper we’re the more successful side, but teams do tend to play out of their skins in front of their home crowds,” continued Brooks.

“All the games are tricky and it’s a case of bringing your best game to every fixture. As soon as you do have a bad game at the office, you will get persecuted for it.

“This time last year had we had some of the unavailability we’ve had this season, it would’ve made a difference to the quality of the team we fielded. Now it makes very little difference and that’s the position we’ve been striving for for three or four years.”

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H&B captain Jimmy Adams contests a lineout against Southwark. Picture courtesy Karen WalkerH&B captain Jimmy Adams contests a lineout against Southwark. Picture courtesy Karen Walker
H&B captain Jimmy Adams contests a lineout against Southwark. Picture courtesy Karen Walker

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