Burgess Hill 2's finally got their season underway! The fixture was originally against Sussex Police. Unfortunately the Sussex Police team could not play, so St Francis took the fixture as a friendly for some well needed match time.

Playing on the adjacent pitch to the Burgess Hill 1st XV, new 2nd team skipper Michael Grimes lead his team out for the first time.

Burgess Hill opened the game starting up the hill against the visitors and received the ball from the kick off. The visitors scored an early opening try after a clean break through the back line. The league above St Francis showed the home team why they are a league above, with some good inter linking play and crossed the line a few more times.
Stuart Cooper showed some good defensive work around the fringes of the ruck, along with Adam Lane. Campbell McBryer returning to prop after a break from the game was good to see by the home side.

After a 'regroup' and some encouraging words from the new skipper, Hill had a good spell of possession which allowed for some clean, quick ball to be moved to Ben Horton (who has returned to the game after a couple of years sabbatical) seeing the 2nd row cross the try line and open the home sides account.

Young Harvey Baker broke the gain line and ran 15 meters up the left wing only to be brought down with just enough time for an exemplary off load to the support in the shape of Michael Grimes. Grimsey unfortunately got chopped down 5 meters out from the try line.

A few tactical substitutions at half time saw a newly invigorated home side, looking to take on the St Francis outfit down the hill.

Owain Jenkins seemingly unlocked the back line with some fantastic linking passes from the back of the scrums, rucks and lineouts. This allowed Burgess Hill to gain precious yards. Tommy Maple showed his tackling prowess along with Rory Shillaker's great foot work and skills with the ball in hand. Scott Thompson threw his body into the tackle area causing the St Francis side some issues.

The pressure began to build and yards were made into the St Francis half, seeing Hill creeping ever closer to the oppositions try line. Then from no where a crash ball went in to cross the whitewash in the form of no other than Paul Hasib!! The conversion was added and 12-25 to St Francis.
Despite the efforts of the Burgess Hill team St Francis were the winners with the final score 12-38.

The skipper said 'Its great just to get a side back out and playing for Burgess Hill, the new and returning players are looking good and we can build on today's efforts'