The first game in a new year is always a reason to manage expectations carefully as, following a month off, and with the Christmas period an opportunity for most to enjoy a blow out, the standards of play always have the potential to be somewhat mixed.

With the pitch’s playability in doubt due to the freezing conditions, the sheer fact the match was played was a cause for celebration, particularly for the now familiar large crowd that turned out to support the boys at ‘Fry’s Fortress’.

On paper, this looked like a routine afternoon, but, to their credit, Hove came to play and do whatever they could to make it is uncomfortable for the Scarlets as possible.
When Seaford did find their rhythm, they found spaces at will and were able to break down the opposition with ease. Despite some play that was entertaining to watch, this was undone at times by some scrappy and disjointed periods that allowed Hove to stay in the game.

The turnaround saw more of the same with some open, free flowing attack, but also periods of play that was starting to resemble the pitch - stodgy and hard to find a decent footing. That said, the hosts remained in control for the majority of the match, but will be disappointed to have conceded 2 soft scores.

When you step back and reflect, there were some positives to build on considering the lengthy break and bigger Christmas waistlines, but also some clear areas to work on in preparation for next week, Seaford at home to Uckfield RFC in a 1st vs. 2nd encounter.

It's a measure of how far the team has come that, despite a comfortable win that lifts the hosts to 2nd in the league, the performance was way below the standard set against Pulborough and the players left the field with equal measures of satisfaction and disappointment. A good hit out though, is a huge advantage considering that our game was the only one played in Counties 2 this weekend.

Seaford 43 Hove 2 13

We look forward to seeing the large, committed and excitable Seaford support at The Salts this Saturday, 18th January, for one of the few occasions in the season where both the Seaford RFC 1st XV and 2nd XV will be playing at home on the same day. 2pm kick off for both games.

Your support is unbelievable and is massively appreciated.

Passion | Respect | Family