Jan

28

Heathfield produced one of their most disappointing performances of the season in losing by five tries to one to a competent Lewes team.

The early exchanges suggested that Heathfield would be at least competitive in the forwards but the visitors’ backs immediately looked dangerous. Most of the play was in the home half and it was no surprise when after fifteen minutes the Lewes backs created a simple try in the right hand corner, duly converted (0-7).  They collected another try when turnover ball was used effectively and a chip ahead was recovered (0-14).  At this stage the Heathfield tackling was being made to look inadequate by the nimble-footed visiting backs.

Gradually Heathfield came more into the game, chiefly through their forwards.  The set pieces were generally even although both sides had their successes at times.  However just before half time consistent Heathfield close driving eventually produced its reward in good ball which enabled Bryn Jones to step his way over the line under the posts, duly converted by Jo Wood (7-14).  This would have been a reasonable half time position for the home team after the poor start but in the last play of the half a Lewes centre snaffled an interception on the 22 and had an easy stroll to the posts (7-21).

Early in the second half Heathfield had a period of good possession but the visiting defence was effective in containing the threat.  After fifteen minutes Lewes broke out through their open side flanker who made ground and offloaded well in the tackle to their fly half who showed good pace to score (7-26).  These two players along with the full back (all Kiwis) were the standout performers for their team.

Tom Sheffield now made a fine break and Wood carried the move on but the cover defence proved adequate a few yards out.  Ollie Brown also had some threatening runs during the game but the cover always arrived before the support.

Ben Foy, on as replacement for Simon Wilson, was sin-binned for punching although the referee had not seen the initial blows by a Lewes player which triggered the incident.

The final score went to the visiting full back who capped his fine all round game by entering the line at pace and finishing effectively (7-31).

Steve Petersen repeatedly caught the eye with his determined and skilful efforts which seemed to intensify the longer the game went on.

This Saturday (4 Feb 2.30) Heathfield visit Tunbridge Wells who just prevailed in a close game earlier in the season and who are just behind Heathfield in the league table.