Hastings & Bexhill narrowly beaten by high-flying visitors
![Tim Sills touches down to score a try for Hastings & Bexhill against Old Williamsonians. Pictures by Simon Newstead](https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/webimg/legacy_oak_111097821.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&width=640&quality=65&enable=upscale)
![Tim Sills touches down to score a try for Hastings & Bexhill against Old Williamsonians. Pictures by Simon Newstead](/img/placeholder.png)
H&B went down 16-13 at home to Old Williamsonians in a thrilling first London Three South East fixture of 2019 at Ark William Parker Academy.
Williamsonians have always been tough opposition and presented H&B with many problems, but this time H&B rose to the occasion. They played with spirit and tenacity throughout the game, and but for two moments of silliness, could have sprung a major surprise.
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Hide AdSee also: * Goalkeeper suffers serious injury* Tottenham Hotspur debut for son of ex-Hastings United player* Hollington United sign higher level duoOn an unusually dry playing surface for the time of year, H&B took the lead with a beautifully taken penalty by Tom Waring from at least 35 metres out.
![Sills is congratulated by a pair of team-mates after scoring his try](https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/webimg/legacy_oak_111097822.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&width=640&quality=65)
![Sills is congratulated by a pair of team-mates after scoring his try](/img/placeholder.png)
The first half continued with robust and physical play from both teams. Calvin Crosby-Clarke was yellow carded for a high tackle and during his absence Williamsonians took the lead.
The visitors firstly levelled the scores with a straightforward penalty and then scored an unconverted try, despite huge defensive play from 14-man H&B.
Adam Baker came off the bench into the reorganised pack and full-back Stash Maltby was sacrificed to the touchline.
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Hide AdThe home side regained the lead with a blistering try from winger Tim Sills, who showed amazing speed to burst through the Williamsonians defence from more than 25 metres out to score under the posts; Bruce Steadman converted to put H&B two points in front at 10-8.
![Frazer McManus in possession for H&B](https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/webimg/legacy_oak_111097823.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&width=640&quality=65)
![Frazer McManus in possession for H&B](/img/placeholder.png)
H&B skipper Joe Umpleby was sin-binned for obstructing the taking of a quick penalty by the Williamsonians scrum-half and from the retaken tap, the away team moved the ball across the pitch to score an unconverted try, giving them a 13-10 lead at the interval.
As Umpleby returned, H&B coach Ben Davies introduced his replacements. Sam Surridge made way for Archie Ridpath, Steve McManus was replaced by Jacob McDonough and Crosby- Clarke rotated with Adam Parkhouse in the second row.
These fresh legs brought more drive to the H&B attack and the hosts were rewarded with another finely-struck penalty from Waring to bring the scores level with only 10 minutes to play.
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Hide AdThe visitors retook the lead with a penalty awarded for offside, but H&B were in the ascendancy with Williamsonians struggling to stay in the game.
![Hastings & Bexhill and Old Williamsonians tussle for possession](https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/webimg/legacy_oak_111097827.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&width=640&quality=65)
![Hastings & Bexhill and Old Williamsonians tussle for possession](/img/placeholder.png)
The away hooker was red carded for foul play, but despite intense pressure and scrum after scrum on the five-metre line, H&B were unable to cross the whitewash for a potentially match-winning try.
A disappointing end, but if H&B can carry this form into tomorrow’s (Saturday’s) fixture away to fellow strugglers Lewes, a much-needed win is only a whisker away.
Although bottom of the table, H&B are just four points behind Park House and Bromley, and six adrift of Lewes.