HOVE 46 TRINITY 5

Trinity travelled to Hove for the second year in succession with a team severely depleted by injury and lack of availability. Last year’s side had performed heroically, despite a heavy defeat but, looking at the fact that Hove had given a drubbing to Eastbourne to whom Mids had gone down by ten tries to three in their last match, supporters travelled with little hope of much in the way of return. The scoreline suggests another hammering but again it does not tell the full story.

Trinity made a spirited start and took the game to Hove, keeping possession tight and with Ben Vaillant and Marc McEvilly carrying well. When Hove won back possession Ty Williams put in a strong tackle and Callum True on the left wing showed good composure under pressure. Hove with several talented runners had more options and after 7 minutes found space on the left to put in lock Ian Saunders for the opening try. The home side did not have it all their own way, however, and two powerful bursts from Alex Scott kept Trinity involved. A neat chip from Dan Crouch found McEvilly in promising space but Hove spoiled well and forced a penalty. They failed to find touch with the kick but the ball was deflected off a Trinity hand and they had an attacking line out. From this they set up well to move left for full back Guy Patton to score their second try.

Mids got back in the game and won some better ball. David Hoffman, after a shaky start, grew in confidence and drove well into contact. Dave Spedding was showing his ability in the line out and was tackling well and covering a lot of ground. A huge covering tackle from full back Archie McMillan repelled a dangerous Hove assault and Trinity set up three well organised mauls to keep possession. They got no return for this, however. Crouch was penalised at a ruck when the ball was clearly out but a Hove player shouted “in at the side”. .Hove exploited this with a good kick to the corner and then went through copybook phases to score their third try through Tyler Hooper, again on the left. Straight after this they attacked again. True put in a good tackle but Hove retained possession and Saunders was too strong and claimed his second and the hosts’ bonus point try on the half hour.

At this points the floodgates might have opened but this was a dour Trinity side and they showed guts. They forced their way into the home 22 and when Hove cleared long and threatened again Mids effected a fine exit with winger Tom Caplin capping it with a long relieving kick to halfway. Hove threw long and the vigilant Vaillant intercepted to race clear. He crossed the try line and went round nearer the posts to enable an easier conversion. He is adamant that he touched down properly, but various questioning shouts sowed doubt in the referee’s mind and the try was ruled out. This was a harsh blow. Shortly after this Vaillant was tackled dangerously and Hove received a yellow card. Crouch kicked to the corner and, after further infringements by Hove, Spedding took two fine catches and then from a ruck showed amazing strength and athleticism to force his way over for a deserved score. This left the score 20-5 to Hove.

In the second half Mids did very well in terms of territory. Olly Hubbard was covering and tackling as usual. The scrum, with Dom Plumb, Hoffman and Jacques Bryant putting in a huge shift, gave as good as they got and edged it at times. Hove were penalised time after time and on two occasions Trinity had the confidence to opt for scrums in the 22. Vaillant drove through, Williams set up a promising attack and veteran scrum half David Stanton was bossing things at the back of the scrum. Ben Donovan and Toby Plant, who came on as replacements, played their part well. Possession was well retained but Trinity could not find the penetration to capitalise. Hove broke away to score their fifth try through flanker Toby Brown against the run of play. Jack Moore converted. Trinity returned to the home 22 and had nearly all the possession but still could not break through.

A lovely 50-22 from McEvilly might have resulted in a score had not Moore prevented the quick throw-in. He was carded for this. Trinity tried to run the ball but had to take chances. Caplin stood up well under pressure and Hove were penalised for obstruction but, in their frantic efforts the visitors inevitably made mistakes and Hove took full advantage. They protected their line well and scored three more breakaway tries before the end. The togetherness of the Trinity squad meant that they had performed well above expectations, and this was evident in the after-match deliberations where the spirit of rugby bound the players even closer. However, it is vital that availability is better for the remaining games. These efforts deserve better than gallant losses.

Hove were generous hosts and the hospitality and rugby spirit shown in their clubhouse made this an enjoyable day in Sussex.

Match report by Gerry Murphy.
Tribe Advisory Player of the Match: BEN VAILLANT