Jan

28

Games against 1st XVs are never going to be straightforward but this one was there for the taking. The opposition had a big lumbering pack, a 10 with a boot and little else. That they won was a combination of things but chief amongst them was Heathfield’s inability to play to their own strengths rather than the opposition’s.

The Greenies played with the slope but against the wind in the first half and although starting slowly competed well. A score of 0-0 at half time was warranted with Plumpton lumbering and Heathfield kicking away valuable possession at the end of some sweeping moves. Robertshaw showed up well with some good turnovers and Thewlis made some effective incursions into the line.

With the chance to re-focus at half time it should have been straightforward but some simple mistakes allowed Plumpton to gain field position, which they converted. A couple of wayward restarts and a couple of penalties were all that it took. Worse was to follow, when the home side again edged their way up field to a position where they cold launch another of their trundlers. Belatedly, Heathfield upped the tempo and strung some good moves together which eventually saw Greg Kneller cross the line on the right. As he went to place the ball he was subject to a high tackle and the referee awarded a penalty try under the posts.

A much changed side struggled with the game plan and some basics in coping with a big side up front were not adhered to. Plenty to work on but plenty of potential as well.

Squad: Evans, Ambrosino, Kneller, Weston, Hazelton, MacNey, Robertshaw, Nise, Jaques M, Riley, Keylock, Biggins, Parr, Silver, Thewlis, Richards, Shallcroft, Phair