Hastings & Bexhill nab first win on day to remember stalwart David

Before kick-off captain Bruce Steadman was presented with the matchball in memory of David Sansbury who died in February. David was the landlord of the Horse and Groom in St Leonards and had sponsored the club for more than 25 years.

Hastings opened the scoring with a well-taken try from Tom Hirst on the left wing; Steadman converted with a good kick. Anchorians hit back with a penalty awarded for offside.

Joe Field, at outside centre, burst through a static Gillingham defence to touch down near the posts to give Steadman a straight forward conversion. The half time score was 14-3; H&B had dominated and made excellent tackles when the visitors threatened to score.

Dominic Sewell continued his rehabilitation after leg surgery; coming on as a replacement for Larence Maynard who had suffered a cut to his eye brow.

The second half brought two more tries from Hirst; giving H&B the bonus-point win. Steadman converted the last.

There was great work from prop Jacob McDonagh, flanker Quinn McManus and full back Harry Walker. Coach Steve McManus used his squad well; Chris Pillow replaced Josh Clarke in the front row and Sam Surridge came for Dan Suggitt in the centre.

Tomorrow H&B entertain Canterbury twos at Ark Alexandra Academy’s William Parker Site (3pm).