Hampshire   24  -  24  Sussex

Dan Fleming being lifted by Max Dewing (6)

Match Report

Sussex U17 travelled to Winchester RFC to play Hampshire U17 as part of their development games, building up the U18 season at the start of next season. 

Sussex dominated the early exchanges, and scored within two minutes of the start; Joe Woods finishing off his own initial break a few phases later, with Rob Biggs converting. Hampshire then capitalised on a Sussex handling error to score an 50m uncoverted try through Myles Bailey, with Aaron White charging down the conversion. Scrumhalf Tom Johnson dove over from short range to stretch the lead to 12-5, before Hampshire scored shortly before the interval through flyhalf Lawrence Elliot to draw level at 12-12. Susses were guilty of letting Hampshire back into the game through a series of errors of execution with kicking and handling. 

Hampshire enjoyed a resurgence to start the second half, pinning Sussex to their line for long periods of play. The pressure of defending eventually told, with Hampshire scoring twice more to lead 12-24, and to dominate much of the middle stags of the game. 

Sussex fought back to take charge of the closing 15 minutes, with Sussex winger Tomek Nawrocki scoring two tries in a man of the match performance. His first was a similar opportunistic try to Hampshire’s opener, with his second coming from closer range after receiving a quick pass from Matt Lasis. 

For Hampshire, winger Bailey, who also scored twice, and number eight George Sandford provided constant threat. 

Coach Hadon Westerby said of his Sussex players “I am pleased and proud of the way we played, and of the understanding we showed.  We made a few errors in our execution that let Hampshire into the game, but for our first game together in over a year, we played very well. 

“Many players had their best games for Sussex in this fixture, and each player who played should very proud of their individual contribution to a strong team effort.” 

“Surrey sides always prove to be a stern test. We’re aiming for further progress from what we achieved against Hampshire.” 

Sussex U17 play Surrey U17 at Crawley RFC, on Wednesday 21st April at 7pm. This game will conclude the U17 county season, with U18 games taking place later this year in September and October.