Hasting and Bexhill 2nd XV travelled to Ashford for what was expected to be a tough start to the season against good opposition. A nervous start by H&B saw Ashford get close to scoring on a couple of ocassions, but strong defence kept them out and helped settle the nerves. The next 30 minutes saw H&B dominate the 1st half threatening the Ashford line on more than one occassion. Unfortunatly the pressure could not be converted into points and the half ended scoreless.
With the Ashford 3rd team game cancelled Ashford rang the changes at half time bringing on the fresh legs in the hot conditions. These fresh legs ended up being H&Bs downfall as tiredness allowed a few errors to creep into their game and allowed Ashfor to cross the try line on four occassions (converting 3). A tap penalty 5 meters out finished by Dave Sprinks gave H&B a much deserved try in the middle of Ashfords 4 and made sure they didn't get it all their own way.
A strong performance by the forwards notably Northen,Sprinks and Mahony along with a good performance by the back line, notably Matt Pearce and Kevin Kerr, made for a good all round team performance, showing alot of heart and a good foundation to build on for what looks to be a potentially successful season for the 2nd XV.
New Captain Greg Stokes would like to take this oppotunity to thank his players especially Sprinks and James Clark for their support in his first game in charge.
Squad: Northen, Sprinks, Granville, Lovik, Sewell, Mahony, Barber, Clark, Knight, Stokes (c), Page, Potter, Pearce, Kerr, McManus
