Hellingly start firing on all cylinders

 

The good weather and firm pitch set the scene for some excellent running rugby when the Loonies travelled to Lewes on Saturday. Earlier availability challenges for previous games had been resolved and the new coaching  / playing style had become embedded.

​

From the start the Hellingly pack dominated the scrums, keeping Lewes on the back foot and starved of quality ball. The combination of Maunder, Whiteman and Smith, working as a single unit,  continue to give their opposition front row a very long day at the office.

​

A break down the left wing by the Hellingly centres brought the ball from the visitor's 22, through several pairs of hands. Jack Cowell drawing his man before releasing captain, Ian Padget, to score the opening try on 18 minutes. (Conversion by Aaron Hossack).

​

Hellingly used a mixture of chip and chase and ball in hand to pressure the Lewes back line with big scrums depriving the good quality Lewes backs of the ball they needed. Lewes remained pinned to their line until a Hellingly charge was held-up, giving the home team chance to clear. The relief was short-lived, Lewes #5 getting a Yellow for a high tackle and Hellingly opting to take the scrum. #8 pick-up by Grey from the back of the scrum, ground made, off-load to Monk who sauntered across the line on the stroke of half-time. (Conversion Hossack - half time score 14-0).

​

The second half was dominated by penalties, Hossack gaining good ground with his boot, Lewes giving repeat penalties resulting in a Hellingly scrum close to the Lewes line and a classic #8 try by Grey (Conversion Hossack). Two penalties against Hellingly following the re-start, gave space for Lewes backs to create the overlap to score in the corner (Unconverted. Score 21-5).

​

As the half progressed Lewes was able to get more involved in the game, but Hellingly continued to march them back towards their line. A Lewes line out 15m from their line ended badly as Smith mugged the catcher, storming the 15m at full speed over the line. He was not going to be stopped, chalking up try #6 for the season (Unconverted).

​

Lewes stuck to the task, working on their line speed as the game came to a close. A last minute break rewarded them with an unconverted try. Final score 26 - 10.

​​

Next week all Sussex teams have a rest week, so no games sorry.