U14C edged out in close Brighton College encounter

By Tom Oliver

Hampton’s U14C team lost to Brighton College in their first match of the season despite a strong performance, beaten by a score line of 35-22.

Brighton scored straight from the kick-off, and converted the try to take the lead, before a series of strong Hampton attacks eventually resulted in a try for Guru Nadarajah, who scored from a pick and go off a scrum in his new position at number 8. 

Ed Walker scored shortly after, beating two Brighton defenders. Brighton then crossed the line, their right wing adding to the visitors’ tally. 

Hampton took the lead again through another Walker try after outside-centre Tom Oliver carried the ball close to the try line. 

Next Hampton were awarded a scrum on the right wing inside Brighton’s twenty-two. Another Nadarajah pick and go resulted in five more points for Hampton. 

But Brighton remained strong and used the width against a tiring Hampton team, which allowed them to score again through a wing late on and convert. 

The Hampton team were unlucky to lose, and most of the squad will hope to make amends for this set-back as they return to the B team to face Tiffin in their last fixture before the Christmas break.