Jan

21

As one might expect from a local derby there was plenty of passion and no little drama in a hard fought, close game.

Heathfield started positively but Crowborough worked their way back into the game taking advantage of the elements. It was no surprise therefore that the first score didn’t arrive until the 20th minute where, against the run of play, Sam Goatcher put the home side ahead from a penalty. The visitors continued to press and gaining ascendancy up front were awarded a penalty try after a series of scrums out wide. Strive though they did Crowborough couldn’t add to the score and half time arrived with the elusive running of debutant Harry Clewly being the highlight.

Having regrouped it was Heathfield’s  turn to use the elements and from the outset established themselves in Crowboroug’s half. Although making hard work of it , the Greenies eventually went over after a number of forward drives with Jim Davies applying the final touch. Five minutes later a delightful chip over the top of an ever persistent Crowborough defence was touched down by Clewley, which sounds easy but in reality was a masterpiece of opportunism. Both tries converted by skipper Goatcher gave the home side a 17-7 lead and one would have thought a comfortable platform but Crowborough raised their game and cam back strongly. Most of the remainder of the game was played in the hosts half and with five minutes to go Crowborough managed to rumble over from a line-out out left. They missed the conversion, which still left them 5 points short, and Heathfield were able to run the clock down without any further alarm.

Clewley was the standout player but Matt Barber, the other Colt making his debut, also showed up well as his confidence grew. Chris Jaques ought to be mentioned as well having been drafted in to play scrum-half at the 11 hour and making a passable impression of his brother.

Squad: Kneller, Ambrosino, Maxfield, Foy, Hunter-Evans, Taylor, Robertshaw, Nise, Jaques C, Goatcher, Austen, White, Riley, Parr, Barber, Clewley, Davies, Hazelton, Weston