The pool stages were tightly fought with Hove playing in the same pool as East Grinstead, Cranbrook and the hosts Crowborough. We drew with both Cranbrook and Crowborough and beat EG 5 to 1. Then there was an anxious wait whilst Cranbrook played Crowborough before we heard that we were winners in our group.
The semi-final was played against our old rivals Haywards Heath in what was again a very tight game. The scores stood at 2-2 at full-time and we moved into extra-time with the Golden Try rule. Coaches and parents watched nervously - would our heroes rise to the challenge? We needn't have worried as we scored straight from the restart in a move built on a brilliant run, two driving mauls, 2 off-loads and a long stretch to score for victory.
And I think it is true that for the first time in Hove's long history a First Team prop was seen to wipe a tear from his eye at the end of a game. The tackling, driving, passing, will-to-win and teamwork impressed all who saw it and won justified praise from the other team's coaches.
So to the final against Brighton. The boys didn't know it, but Brighton, fresh from their Cup victory at the Worthing B festival had swept all before them - their semi was stopped because they had scored 7 tries with no reply! The game began and neither team had a clear advantage - Hove had the possession, Brighton the territory - until from nowhere a break away try by a Brighton player who must have been a relation of Linford Christie (apart from his blond hair) put us one down. Try as we might we couldn't breach the Brighton line and another breakaway from Brighton put the game beyond reach. Final score Brighton 2 - Hove 0.
This was a fabulous day on which each and every player contributed in their own way.
Congratulations Hove B - you showed real pride!
Jay
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