In their final league game of the season Hastings and Bexhill put on one of their finest performances to beat one of Kent's top clubs. It was not a pretty win but a very hard fought victory over a team full of good , big and fast players.
H&B welcomed back Jake Stinson after a three-month lay-off with a ham string injury, his return without doubt strengthened the back line. Joe Whitehill James opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a 40-yard dash to the line. Sam Surridge converted with a good kick. Surridge extended the lead with a beautifully struck penalty.
On the stroke of half time the home side reduced the deficit with a converted try. Beckenham's pack had the H&B defence under pressure and the inevitable penalty count put Frazer McManus into the sin bin allowing Beckenham to score.
After the interval Surridge slotted another three points to give H&B a six point lead. The home pack scored a push over try to narrow the gap to one point. But the return of McManus and good use of the replacements refreshed the Hastings forwards. Noah Lindfield replaced Liam Hunt at hooker and Wes Lorman came on for Lawrence Maynard.
Skipper Harry Walker led by example with an inspirational performance. He scored two good tries and made countless big tackles in midfield. Joe Field tackled everything that came his way. Walkers second try was converted by Surridge to give Hastings and Bexhill a thirteen point lead.
Beckenham had two flying centres and as the referee was checking his watch for full time the No 12 burst through the visitors defence to sprint 70 yards to touch down under the posts. The straight forward conversion was kicked but H&B had achieved a great victory.
Next week as part of the club's Centenary Celebrations H&B host a Sussex Martlets XV at Ark Alexandra (William Parker site) with a 3pm kick-off.
As the season comes to a close with various cup competitions for the 1stXV, 2ndXV and Veterans; details will be announced on social media.