Rugby: Hampshire destroy Sussex (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Rugby: Hampshire destroy Sussex

5:14pm Wednesday 14th May 2008

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HAMPSHIRE's rousing nine-try romp saw off Sussex in the Inter- County Championships as they were crowned champions in their round of pool games.

Their reward for topping their group is a home tie in the semi-final against Kent on Saturday (at Basingstoke at 2.30 pm).

Hampshire got off to a dream start and were 7-0 ahead within two minutes, with Appleby scoring and Claffey adding the.

The visitors then scored two tries in five minutes to extend the lead to 17 -0.

Buttle intercepted the ball ten metres out to run in for the first, while Claffey dived over the line on 20 minutes for the next score.

On the stroke of half time, Hampshire secured another try, as a catch and drive from a line out once again saw Appleby cross the line, to secure a 22-0 lead at the break.

Sussex started the second half strongly, but Hampshire's defence, which has not been breached so far this campaign, held firm and repelled any attack.

The visitors began to get back on top and Morris added another try after 56 minutes.

Hampshire then put the game well beyond the reach of Sussex, with three tries in five minutes.

The first was a gem, with Hampshire turning defence into attack from inside their own 22.

Humberstone spotted the space out wide and floated a pass to Buckland, who fed Ofuasia.

The winger outpaced the initial defence and when, 80 metres later, the final cover arrived, he passed inside to the supporting Buck to score.

Raubenheimer added another try, converted by Humberstone, straight from the kick off.

From the next restart, Hampshire broke the Sussex defence and Byett was on hand to score.

Hampshire's final try came with the last move of the game on 83 minutes.

After good pressure, the ball was moved out and Ashwin was on hand to score out wide, with Humberstone adding the extras.

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