Sussex U17   10  -  30  Surrey U17

Match report by Hadon Westbury



Sussex U17 completed their short season on Wednesday, 21st April with a loss to a capable Surrey side 10-30 at Crawley RFC. There was an excellent turn out of support for both sides, and despite the scoreline, the crowd was appreciative of both teams efforts. 

 Sussex dominated large parts of territory and possession in the first half, but were unable to break the Surrey defence. On the few occasions when Surrey had chances, they were clinical and well taken. Sussex's only points came from the boot of Tom Nudd kicking from a handy position after the Surrey backs being caught offside. 

Sussex eventually scored on the back of a good piece of play that secured field position on the Surrey line. Sussex's lone try came from a charged down kick from Stuart Diplock. 

Coach Hadon Westerby said; "On balance, the U17 season was successful. It was just disappointing that on the night we were not more effective against one of the stronger teams in the region." 

The Sussex players can now look forward to a deserved off season, before reconvening for fitness testing on the 1st July, a players camp at Hurstpierpoint at the end of August, before taking on Eastbourne College on the 5th September. This programme then leads into the Divisional games between September and November.