H&B show character in Vase

H&B recovered from a disastrous opening day loss in the Sussex League and a sluggish start in this game to clinch a 12-9 win over Sheppey.

With confidence understandably shaken, the home side took a while to find their feet as Kent One outfit Sheppey opened up a 9-0 lead but roared back with a dominant display in the second half.

Assistant coach Rob Hamilton said: "It was important. I wouldn't say it was make or break but heads were really, really down after last week. It was a most encouraging performance."

Defensive indiscipline in the opening 20 minutes cost them the early ascendancy as the visitors' eye-catching fly-half dispatched three penalties.

But gradually the tide began to turn and skipper Neil Redman burrowed over the line early in the second period.

Confidence began to return to the home ranks and they began to look something like their old selves going forward.

The comeback was made complete in fairytale fashion when debutant Tom Brampton produced a typically surging break to go over and Paul Sandeman added the extra couple of points.

H&B return to league action on Saturday September 27 at home to Heathfield & Waldron, kick-off 3pm.