Straight from the kick-off the OB forwards, led by Alex Maguire (Le. 2010-15) and Thomas Mohan (Du. 2009-14), were disciplined and regularly broke the gain line. The backs were able to exploit the spaces created with Ryan Bhimji (Le. 2003-08) working with Lewis Edwards (Du. 2008-15), Sam de Belder (Al. 2007-14), and Nathan Parker (Du. 2008-15) to constantly stretch the opposition. Dominating in most areas, OBs were clinical and took a strong lead into half time.
The second half was a different story, as fitness became a factor and discipline started to falter. Hove utilised their 7 young subs and dragged themselves back into the game. OBs brought on a couple of their own subs, one highlight having father and son playing together for the first time, Joey (Du. 1979-84) and Luke Appleton (BCPS 2005-08).
Chris Canneaux (Ha. 2001-06), Man of the Match, did everything and more to keep OB’s on track, unforgettably scoring direct from a kick-off but more importantly leading in yards gained, tackles and turnovers. In the dying seconds the OBs battled hard defending their line, Lawrence Daraio (Al. 1996-2001) in particular making important hits.
At the final whistle, we were victorious, 41-39.