Magnificent wins for rugby clubs

H&B won 13-5 away to second-placed Dartfordians in Kent One, while Rye triumphed 24-15 at home to Sussex One leaders Pulborough.

Although H&B went 5-0 down early on, they rallied to lead 6-5 at half time thanks to a pair of Paul Sandeman penalties. A Dillon Newell try and Sandeman (pictured) conversion at the start of the second period sealed victory.

Despite Chris Edwards kicking an early penalty, Rye trailed 10-3 until a Matt Cooke try and Edwards conversion brought them level at half time.

Further tries from Jamie Moore and Pete Brown, plus two Andy Garrish conversions, extended Rye’s lead to 24-10 before Pulborough nabbed a consolation.

Full reports on both matches will appear in Friday’s Observers.

Standings (played-points) - Kent 1: 1 Gillingham Anchorians 11-46, 2 Dartfordians 12-46, 3 Vigo 11-42, 4 Shooters Hill 11-33, 5 HASTINGS & BEXHILL 11-30, 6 Sittingbourne 11-26, 7 Old Gravesendians 11-25, 8 Cranbrook 11-25, 9 Guys’ Kings’ & St Thomas’ Hospital 10-17, 10 New Ash Green 11-16, 11 HSBC 12-16, 12 Whitstable 11-16, 13 Beccehamian 11-12.

Sussex 1: 1 Pulborough 9-36, 2 Burgess Hill 9-28, 3 East Grinstead II 8-27, 4 Newick 8-23, 5 Brighton II 8-23, 6 Holbrook 8-23, 7 RYE 8-13, 8 Seaford 7-13, 9 Eastbourne II 8-10, 10 Chichester III 7-1.