H&B have potential to succeed

That’s the view of backs coach Kit Claughton, pictured, after the rugby club produced what he described as its best performance of the season to beat New Ash Green 48-19 last weekend.

He said: “It’s got the potential to be one of the best teams the club has produced in a number of years. We’ve got some really talented young guys and there’s a really good feeling in the club at the moment.

“We’re enjoying our rugby, we want to play rugby and we want to get better. We had to win on Saturday and get a bonus point if we’re realistically going to be in the top half of the table.”

H&B go into a blank weekend sixth in Kent One having won five and lost five of their first 10 games. They have two more matches before the festive break, starting with a tough trip to Dartfordians on Saturday December 3.

Rye RFC, meanwhile, is hoping to welcome back several players to bolster the depleted ranks for a rearranged Sussex Shield quarter-final tomorrow (Saturday) after two weeks of struggling for players.

Club chairman Tony Pierce said: “I can only hope that the players who haven’t been available will be this week. There are a number of players there in the wings who would make quite a substantial difference.”

Victory over Newick would set up a home semi-final against neighbours Hastings & Bexhill on February 11. Kick-off at New Road is 2pm.