Hove under-15s celebrate a two-year unbeaten run today after the Sussex champions earned a 5-0 victory against Horsham at The Nevill.

The all-conquering side have played 41, won 40 and drawn one, scored 1,295 points and conceded 228 since their last defeat, a 14-10 reverse at Woodford on Sunday, December 6, 1998.

Coach Mark Windsor believes the secret is team spirit.

He said: "When I took over the team they they were used to losing all the time.

"But I helped to turn it around because I encouraged them to play for each other and not as individuals.

"There was less emphasis on the try-scorer and more on the try-makers, the people who make the breaks and provide the vital passes. It seems to have worked.

"I feel I am the right personality for the coaching job. You have to be able to get the kids to respond and they have."

Another reason is talent. Ryan Smith, John Medhurst, Sam Healey, Ashley Harman, Harry Woolley, Matt Card, Rob Smith, Kiba Richards, Tom Le Mehaute and captain Bradley Wescott are all in the Sussex under-15s squad.

Windsor said: "They were due to play for the county against Kent last Wednesday but the match at Worthing was called off because of the heavy pitch. I was rather glad, because any of my players could have picked up injuries that could have caused me team selection problems for Horsham."

Windsor says victories have been obtained against strong sides.

He said: "There is no point in picking opposition to thrash 50-0. In those circumstances the team under performs and the poor kids they beat have to play rugby again the following week.

"But word has got round and we get challenges from all over, like Romford and Bromley, and we have beaten them along with London Irish, London Scottish and Hampshire champions Petersfield."

Windsor says the success is proof that initiatives in state schools to develop rugby players are paying off.

Players come from Hove Park, Blatchington Mill, Portslade Community College, Varndean College and Sackville Community College, plus private schools like Ardingly College and Brighton College.

Windsor said: "Only two of our squad are privately educated, the rest are from state schools. It is reward for people in Brighton and Hove schools rugby like administrator John Tollhurst and Sussex RFU development officer Gary Henderson who has pushed tag rugby in the state schools."

Last season Hove amassed 857 points, conceded 129 and won all 24 matches. They also retained the Worthing Sevens and triumphed in the Sussex League, defeating Horsham in the play-off final. The under-15s have only conceded 26 points this season in seven matches and have already scored 202 points.

Wing Richards, 14, is 6ft.3in and 13st. He is the Brighton and Hove sprint champion and top try scorer.

Richards, with a Jamaican father, German mother and South African grandfather, said: "Some call me the little Jonah Lomu and I have got to admit my size and pace gives me a good advantage over smaller opponents."

Card, who scored the winning try against Horsham five minutes into the second half, travels from East Grinstead to play.

He said: "It is a better standard of play than clubs where I live and I got to know most of the players playing for Sussex last season. The Horsham match was a bit tense and it was a relief for us when I scored."

Fly-half Tom Le Mehaute said: "I play in Alex King's position. He went to my old school (St Christophers) and my current club. I hope I can follow him.

"I have been at the club since I was nine and I remember when we used to get beaten. We are better now because Martin has made the preparation so enjoyable."

Skipper Mower is proud of his club's record and delighted with the positive affect rugby has had on his life. He said: "It keeps me out of trouble. I used to hang around with the wrong crowd but I don't see so much of them now. I love my rugby."

The squad included: Dan Pettit, Lee Garrett, Michael Abbott, John Medhurst, Mark Watlington, Bradley Mower, Bradley Westcott, Rob Smith, Will Torn, Tom Le Mehaute, Ashley Harman, Harry Woolley, Kiba Richards, Matt Card, Ryan Smith. Subs: Sam Healey, Roger Windsor, Stuart Hathaway, Mark Miller, Sam Lucas, Matt Stuart, Easton McBride.

Meanwhile, Eastbourne College Ist XV can also boast a proud record. They made it ten wins from ten games this season with a 59-0 victory against Hurstpierpoint College yesterday, extending their run to 56 victories and four defeats in five seasons. Coach David Stewart said: "Success has been based on talent, hard work, fitness and teamwork."

This term, with Toby Brown captain, they have beaten Sevenoaks, Kent (28-10), Cranbrook, Kent (20-5), King's Canterbury (49-3), Epsom, Surrey (30-27), Tonbridge, Kent (35-10), Brighton College (25-10), St John's Leatherhead, Surrey (24-0), and Christ's Hospital, Horsham (29-3) and Cranleigh (22-14).