H&B hammer struggling opponents

H&B regained the play-off spot from Cranbrook, who could only draw at dark horses Old Williamsonians, but there’s only one point between the two teams with two matches remaining.

A Tom Waring penalty gave H&B an early 3-0 lead. Calvin Crosby-Clarke then loped in under the posts, converted by Waring, for 10-0. Ben Campbell broke through the defence to put Crosby-Clarke in under the posts for his second try, Waring converting.

Joe Umpleby went over after good short offloading by Mark Piotrowski and Jimmy Adams, Waring converting, a 24-0 lead in as many minutes. More adept handling led to Eliot Parry haring in for the bonus point fourth try, Waring converting, 31-0.

H&B’s pack turned over a ruck, Anthony Roche made a half break and Piotrowski threw a pass to Piers Claughton, who touched down, unconverted, 36-0. Foots Cray ended the half by kicking a penalty.

Four minutes into the second half, quick backs’ hands saw Crosby-Clarke over for his hat-trick, 41-3. Tim Sills then made a stylish length of the pitch break and scored under the posts, 48-3 and a man of the match award. Sharp handling put Waring in for a try which he converted, 55-3.

More good handling and driving put Jacob McDonough over for an unconverted try, and when a Crosby-Clarke break and feed saw Waring touch down moments later for his second try and a 67-3 lead, H&B were running riot.

H&B then inexplicably lost all form and conceded two late tries with Adams sinbinned in between them. See Friday’s Observers for a full report.