Burgess Hill U13’s 5 Heathfield & Waldron U13’s 12

Greenies beat Sussex All Blacks to win League

Having had this fixture cancelled last week due to frost there was an increased tension when the two unbeaten sides in the Sussex B East met in the deciding match of the season.

Heathfield & Waldron U13’s, League Champions 2009-2010

Heathfield kicked off and were quickly deep into Burgess Hill territory. The strength  of the green pack was quick to show against the big Burgess Hill forwards  and quick ball from ever present scrum half Tom Taylor’s hands was quickly moving out to winger Danton Laroche who had two good runs down the left wing thwarted. The game remained tense with the green forwards consistently winning line out to feed the backs. The green forwards were playing hard and the rucking was supreme with lots of ball being recycled to the next phase. However, apart from Sam Benians breaking the gain line a couple of times Heathfield could not convert the pressure into points with ball seemingly to go from side to side and not forward. Then from a series of penalties against the visitors the Burgess Hill side moved down hill to score against the run of possession and territory. The green team boy’s heads went down and they knew then they had a big game on.

John Parsons the Heathfield Forward coach then could be seen making a passionate speech to his players at half time, calling for extra effort and to dig deep. Playing downhill the greenies appeared to move up a gear and soon it was Will Ross at outside centre taking a direct lovely angle to score underneath the posts for Heathfield and Waldron. Cameron Carr then converted to take the visitors ahead by two points.  The green army supporters exploded!  The last quarter of the game remained tight but playing with renewed confidence Carr fed his backs with speedster Danton Laroche scoring on the left wing with a display of his natural speed and balance. Close to full time the greenies were again near the try line only to leave empty handed with Connor Lacey coming close to scoring.  Full time brought a huge cheer for the Greenies who had delivered an unbeaten run in the league this season. The victory was won on a real team effort.  The tight 5 provided great grunt and scrummaged hard against a big pack. Larry Osman at hooker threw well in the line out and carried the ball well at close quarters. The back row were quick to the breakdown and were fearless at the ruck, Liam  Parsons  playing at open side flanker had a big tackle count, and Miles Geldart winning good line out against a muscular and taller opposing no 8. Half backs Taylor and Carr were inspirational with some lovely sniping runs from Tom Taylor and Cameron Carr as all this season controlled things well from the 10 shirt, and led his team to a fine victory.  Backs got their reward from tries from Ross and Laroche sealing the game. All in all a great team effort. Well done the greenies!

Squad- Forwards:  Sutton, Osman, Baird, McGarvey, Macleod, Parsons, Baker, Geldart, Paul, De Bruin, Woods, Sweetman. Backs:  Taylor, Carr (Captain), Laroche, Benians, Ross, Rigby, Cuming, Gribble, Michael, Lacey.

2/7/2010 12:44:57 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield & Waldron U13’s 44 - East Grinstead U13’s 12

Captain Carr leads the Greenies to a fine victory

This was the penultimate game in the league for Heathfield’s ever improving U13 side.  However due to rain, snow and flooding they hadn’t played any competitive rugby since their victory away to Uckfield on the 22nd November  so they could have been excused for being a  little rusty with the Christmas break too!

Playing at Waldron in some well received winter sunshine the game drew a good number of vocal supporters.  East Grinstead had recently put a big score up against Uckfield in the league so there was anticipation of a tough game.

Heathfield kicked off and were soon running hard at the East Grinstead backs with direct runs from the two centres Will Ross and Sam Benians. Carr soon shipped the ball left with the ball finding speedster Danton Laroche who was quickly over the line to score for the Greenies.  Will Ross duly converted.

A second came shortly after a series of penalties in the visitors half with the Captain running in a try. Carr duly converted his own effort.

The third try came from deep in the greenies half with Carr again running hard up the touch line and dummying and drawing the opposition in. A few more phases saw the very mobile tight head prop Jack ‘Irish’ Baird score and looking unstoppable.

East Grinstead then got back with a big solo effort from their full back running through 3 or 4 tackles to score under the posts to a bewildered Greenie’s team – they had been caught asleep and paid dearly as the visitors struck back.

Back on the attack the Green pack had won a scrum and launched a back row move just spilling the ball close to the line. Within a minute or two following a couple of attacking line outs on the right hand side – Carr touched down after wrestling the ball off a retreating East Grinstead defence. Just before half time winger Laroche went over again to leave the score 29 – 7.

With half time over the Heathfield team punched hard up the hill to set a fantastic try for scrum half Tom Taylor. A richly deserved reward for the green 9 whose ball distribution and speed always sets up the platform for the back line to operate.

Just as in the first half the Greenies lost some concentration and were made to pay with another try from the tenacious East Grinstead visitors. Danton Laroche then had to make a try saving tackle on the left hand proving he is growing in defence as well as attack.

East Grinstead’s forwards weren’t giving up and scrummaged hard and competed at the breakdown but could not match the quick ball enjoyed by the Heathfield backs.

Dommy ‘pocket sized - man mountain’ Woods came on in the second half on the right wing and after a few good runs finally linked with Connor Lacey to score a very popular try. Props Jack Baird and Phil Sutton were ever present in the second half running hard and straight and making some very hard yards.

Last play of the match saw the man of the moment Fly-half Carr again cross the line for a well earned hat trick.

A great display from the Greenies with the ball moving well on a very sticky pitch. Some stuff to work on in the week – but the coaches will be satisfied with a great result and good team effort.  The lads move on to the final game of the league next week for a showdown with the only other unbeaten side in the league – Burgess Hill.

 Come on the Greenies!

1/24/2010 9:37:47 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Uckfield U13 5 - Heathfield & Waldron U13 40

Laroche shows stormy Uckfield a clean pair of heels and runs in a hat trick!

November carried on it’s wet and windy format this Sunday when Uckfield and Heathfield met this weekend in the Sussex U13 league. Heavy rain blew in as soon as the whistle went creating difficulty conditions, for players and spectators alike.

Heathfield U13’s took this all in their stride with a polished and dominating team performance. Connor Lacey soon opened the scoring for the greenies. It had been set up by a run down the line from Danton Laroche to gain early position. Uckfield defence forced a line out which Heathfield won, which was taken into the centre by Will Ross. The ball was quickly recycled and moved wide to the right through the hands to end up with Connor Lacey scoring at the opposite side of the pitch. 

Laroche soon got his reward at the other wing when Will Ross had driven hard through the centre again, the ball being recycled with quick hands moving the ball wide to the left wing Laroche, who as ever was difficult catch, with his natural pace and balanced running. This set the tone for the day.

Not to be out done the forwards then showed with Flanker Liam Parsons making a huge break setting up a ruck, which the backs then took further on, finally number 8, Miles Geldart blasted over the line to score.

Sam Benians took the greenies over for a further try to go 20 up, his trademark direct running through gaps at speed.

Just before half time Uckfield scored under the posts, while Heathfield for a minute seemed unorganised. Heathfield went into the break with their heads up and looking to take advantage of the weather in the second half.

Heathfield had the wind behind them for the second half and let rip.  First up having controlled things so well Captain Cameron Carr scored with a great solo break from deep.  Laroche scored two further tries at left wing thanks to some superb distribution from the breakdown. That made a hat trick for the winger who is in his first season for the club.  Jack ‘Irish' Baird had three big ball carries, picking up in the loose and handing off to great effect. Replacement centres Gribble and Michael carried on the movement of the ball from the first half.  Theo Michael scored the last try for a resounding Heathfield win.

All in all this was great win for the U13 Greenies with a great display of teamwork and disciplined play. Heathfield remain unbeaten in the league, this season. Lawrence Osman was outstanding at hooker with 5 or 6 wins against the head at the scrum and some good line out call decision-making. As ever Tom Taylor was lightening quick to the breakdown faultlessly distributing the ball to Carr who called the shots for some fantastic back play moves. The back row are really starting to understand phase play and hanging off to add firepower to recycled ball. The front row  were ever present at the breakdown creating a great platform to play from. Most importantly Heathfield moved the ball wide at every opportunity making the ball do the work in it difficult conditions for running rugby.

Tries : Lacey, Laroche (3), Geldart, Benians, Carr and Michael.

11/22/2009 9:41:56 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield & Waldron U13 51 Eastbourne U13 5

Heathfield played Eastbourne in the Sussex U13 league on a wet and blustery Sunday morning, the storms of Saturday had lulled but the conditions were still wet and difficult.  Heathfield opened the scoring early from the kick off and soon a forward drive brought a try for tight head prop Jack ‘Irish’ Baird.  Will Ross duly converted. A dead straight run from centre Sam Benians brought Heathfield back into the Eastbourne half from a scrum and the forward pack drove Matt Macgarvey over only to have the ball held up.  Further concerted pressure yielded a try for Miles Geldart playing at no 8, picking up from the base of the scrum, and driving over the line. Scrappy line out ball was converted into a try with Sam Benians fly- hacking the ball into the visitors half to be taken over the line by outside centre Will Ross.  Centre Benians was prominent again breaking the gain line, with the ball moving wide to Lucas Cuming at full-back appearing the line passing to winger James Rigby who scored near the corner post. Before half time a two further tries came from scrum half Tom Taylor and loose head prop Henry Paul, leaving the greenies satisfied to 34 point up at the break.

Eastbourne broke back soon into second half with a superb individual try by their athletic and speedy no 8 running wide and giving the visitors a glimmer of hope. Deep in the visitors half a Heathfield line out yielded quick ball, which went all the way along the line, with Connor Lacey on at full-back scoring for the greenies. Captain Cameron Carr duly converted.  The final score of the game came from flanker Owain Groves after consecutive line outs deep in the Eastbourne half.

All in all Heathfield put in a good team effort with the forwards winning good ball which was duly converted into points, by backs moving the ball well, and exploiting the gaps.

Squad: Baird, Osman, Paul, Macgarvey, Macleod, Parsons, Groves, Geldart, Taylor, Carr, Benians, Ross, Laroche, Rigby, Sweetman, Sutton, Baker, Lacey, Woods, Michael. Burdett, Cuming

11/15/2009 9:40:06 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Edenbridge U13’s 0 Heathfield & Waldron U13’s 22

Carr and Laroche show Heathfield have ‘the edge’.

Heathfield U13’s travelled to a blustery Edenbridge this Sunday to start their league campaign.  Heathfield hadn’t played Edenbridge for three years when they narrowly lost to them on a tour friendly, so were unsure of their opposition.  Edenbridge won the toss and from the kick off Heathfield dominated the territory and possession.  Woods showed early promise with two runs in space from left wing.

Parsons playing at openside flanker was active very early on, ripping the ball from a maul and linking with Carr who quickly got on the score sheet. For the next few minutes Heathfield camped on Edenbridge’s line with a series of scrums but failed to capitalise on the possession. Taylor at scrum half crossed the line only to have a try deemed to be held up, and seconds later Geldart at no 8 did the same – Edenbridge managing to hold that up too!  It was Parsons again who from speedy work in the loose set up inside centre Benians to crash through for the second score.

Just before half time Ross at outside centre made a great break and linking with Carr for the Captain’s second try of the day, making sure he got under the posts so that Ross could convert the score.

The second half was a scrappy affair and Heathfield had much less possession to a fired up Edenbridge.  Defence was very strong from a depleted Heathfield side with Ross and Sweetman putting in some excellent tackling work. Paul had a trade mark marauding run from the breakdown, and Burdett looking like a chip off the old block linked well with a scissors move in the centre nearly breaking the gain line. The last score of the game came from Carr and Laroche linking on the left wing with new boy Laroche showing a great deal of pace and flair to run from his own half to score for the greenies. Laroche shows huge promise and natural pace.

Squad:  Paul, Osman, Baird, Sutton, Baker, Sweetman, McGavey, Geldart, Macleod, Taylor, Parsons, Benians, Ross, Woods, Burdett, Lacey, Cuming, Michael, Pantrey, Carr, Groves, Woods.

10/25/2009 9:24:53 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield & Waldron U13 41 vs. Seaford & Hellingly combined U13 15

On the back of their victory against Crowborough last week, Heathfield were looking to carry on their winning streak into the league. Unfortunately due to numbers Seaford couldn’t field a full side, so the fixture became a friendly with additional players from Hellingly. Sam Benians was quick to open the scoring with the ball coming quickly from a dominant Heathfield scrum.  Heathfield again made good ground with Flanker Liam Parsons speed in the loose and they again scored from with Jack Baird running in a try.  Just before half time the ball went wide to the left wing and Dommy Woods ran in a well deserved try.

In the second half Will Ross at inside centre made a terrific break, being stopped just short of the line, but Jack de Bruin was quick to capitalise scoring another for the greenies. The visitors scored one back capitalising from a close penalty and moving the ball wide, to a sleepy Green defence. Try number six came from James Rigby on the right Wing running from deep, which was well deserved after a few other similar breaks.  Again the visitors scored showing great determination and using the strength of some of their bigger players. Rory Sweetman then went over the line after winger James Rigby had again opened up the right hand side with another show of pace, and balance. Again the visitors came back and scored. The last try came from Theo Michael running at inside centre and drawing a couple of defenders to put Will Ross over for the last try.

Heathfield showed they could use the ball their forwards could win with some great pace, timing and flair. Particular impressive were Sam Benians taking the ball at speed at inside centre and the wingers Woods and Rigby using their speed and the space to get on score sheet.

Scoring:  Try Benians 5- 0, Conv. Carr 7-0, Try  Baird 12 - 0, Conv. Ross  14-0, Try Woods 19 - 0, Try De Bruin 24 – 0, Try – Visitors 24 – 5, Try Rigby 29 – 5, Try Visitors 29 – 10, Try Sweetman 34 -10, Try Visitors  34 -15, Try Ross 39 -15, Conv. Carr 41 -15.

10/4/2009 9:22:36 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)     

Quiz Nite Madness Hits H&WRFC Again!!!

On Friday 17th April The Clubhouse will again be the venue for the next fantastic Quiz Nite.  Hosted by the Junior section of the Club, compared by the Dynamic Duo Helen Goacher and Alison Bending, pencils will need to be sharpened, thinking caps put firmly on and a rallying cry of 'oooohhhh I know this one' at the ready!

Everyone is welcome, the atmosphere is always electric with excitement and anticipation of not being on the bottom of the scoreboard!

To enter your team all you will need is 4-6 players, a silly name, a £20 note, and to notify either your Squad Manager, Helen or Alison.  See Easy!

SEE YOU THERE!!!

3/25/2009 10:18:30 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

COME AND PAMPER YOURSELF AT THE CLUB 13.2.09

Forgotten Valentines Day is round the Corner????  Don't know what to get for your loved one?  Can't be bothered to trawl round the shops for that special gift???

Then luckily Your Club has come to the rescue.  Not only can you buy sexy tasteful lingerie, delightful jewellery and loads of other lovely things - but you can also have a pint (or two), see your mates, and whatever match is on the TV - whilst you buy!! BRILLIANT!(Rumour has it that Ann Summers will also be there!)  So lads come to the pamper evening at the Clubhouse on Friday 13th Feb - where all your Valentine present problems could be solved.........

For the lovely ladies who would like to come along.....  see all of the above plus there will be waxing and nails and even tarrot card readings!

See you there on the 13th February - 7.30pm onwards

2/5/2009 9:49:53 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Junior Quiz Night Success at H&WRFC

Friday 30th January saw the clubhouse packed to overflowing for the Junior Quiz Night.  With 11 teams of 6 taking part the atmosphere was brilliant.  It was great to see teams from all age groups of the Junior Section of the club come together to make up this fantastic event. Over by the door there were the Beauties and the Beast (Mr. Wardle) ! who didn't put off the H3 Team and stuck over by the bar were the No Table Team - that's how busy it was!!

Despite the heckling from the bosterous crowd, the event was ably compared by Helen Goatcher and Alison Bending (they also put together the questions) and the evening was nicely rounded off with plates of chilli!

A great evening and over £200 made for the Club.  Thank you to everyone who took part to make the evening a success!

2/5/2009 9:29:37 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Rugby The Winner!

Heathfield U14 (24)  Vs.   (12)  Crawley U14

Heathfield U14 arrived at the Crawley ground with blue skies overhead but with freezing temperatures and a bitterly cold wind blowing. The ground itself was just about taking a stud but was marginal in places. The game however went ahead with all in agreement and Heathfield started the match playing into the strong wind that was blowing.

The match started fairly evenly with both sides testing each other’s defence in the forwards and in the backs. Heathfield just about edged these contests with good rucking technique and some fantastic breaks from the midfield by Alex Borg (playing his first match at centre from prop!) and Henry Jolliffe. These two played really well considering they were up against the best opposition centre pairing they have faced this season. Eventually, Heathfield broke clear with Henry J. beating a couple of tackles and getting a try in the corner. Much of the rest of the half was played in a similar manner with the Crawley backs using the wind advantage exceptionally well and putting continued pressure on the Heathfield back three, and the Heathfield forwards driving, rucking and mauling very well to gain back ground. Harry Reilly played well and mixed his game astutely at fly-half but was helped by a generally dominant scrum. Towards the end of the half, Crawley applied concerted pressure and capitalised on a few Heathfield mistakes to score and unconverted try in the corner.

Half-Time: Heathfield drawing 5 – 5.

The second half saw a number of changes to get everyone on and a few positional changes. Heathfield started to consistently get the better of Crawley, with Conor Ingham and Will Morris making good yards, but it was Lewis Golding (later to be named Man-of-the-Match) who continued superbly from where he left off in the 1st half making great yardage and generally causing chaos in the opposition ranks. Indeed it was from a couple of these charges into the opposition back line, and the setting up of good possession by Lewis, that allowed Henry Jolliffe to score a brace of converted tries in a couple of minutes. This took Heathfield clear of Crawley but, to the credit of the Crawley squad, they continued to play hard attractive rugby. Henry Jolliffe scored his fourth of the day following good play from Dean, Will and Greg on the touchline. After this, a bit of an error by the coaches in attempting to make a substitution for Henry (suffering from tonsillitis even though he did score 4 tries) at a penalty meant that Heathfield were out of position on a good attack by Crawley, allowing them to exploit the lack of a fullback to score a well worked converted try taking the score to 24 – 12.

The final whistle came with all parties involved commenting on what an extremely good, entertaining and well refereed game of rugby they had just watched. It was an excellent advertisement for junior rugby and we look forward to hosting Crawley in a return fixture next season.

2/3/2009 11:33:03 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield & Waldron u13 v's Crawley u13

No book to read this week.

A very good result with the final score Heathfield 50 V Crawley 0.

 
The most pleasing aspect was no doubt the fact that we managed to get plenty of game time for everyone. Congratulations to Tom and Henry for their first game with the club.

 
There were many positive results from the game and it will certainly make selection difficult for two weeks time, it is therefore important to get to training before our next league game.

 
Once again next Sunday training is vital, and just because we do not have a game it should not be seen as an opportunity to take the day off.

 
Without going through too many players there were some outstanding players today. Hugh Whitlock tackled incredibly well and single handedly stopped at least two certain tries. Ben Robson was sensational on a wing and Sam Evans giving away weight height and everything else was inspirational in the scrum. The play of the day however for me was the sight of Elliot Buckland picking up the ball cleanly every time and taking it up the middle making huge ground.

11/16/2008 6:25:33 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield Under 13’s v Hastings

Heathfield 91 Hastings 0

The Heathfield Under 13’s travelled to Hastings with a great deal of trepidation as this was their first ever league game. Hastings had always proved a happy hunting ground for us in the minis but junior rugby we have learnt is entirely different.

The first issue to face was a very difficult selection process. In the end we had to leave 8 very disappointed boys behind. Our substitutes also would make most sides first 15. Our run on side therefore looked particularly good on paper, however there was a question mark over how they would play together with the backs coming together for the first time.

The weather gods were with us at the kick off and we were fortunate throughout to keep dry on the sidelines whilst the players dealt with a pitch that had a lot of surface water but was in reasonable condition given all the rain.

The first 7 minutes saw Hastings take the game right up to us and we struggled to break their lines whilst they played the game in their attacking half, it looked to be a close game as Hastings forwards showed how to play the conditions with pick and run and Heathfield looked a little disorganised.  The forwards however were starting to work hard and get on even terms and following a run of play where we went through 7 phases we finally found ourselves in our half and Hastings on the back foot. Good ball from the forwards left the posts unguarded and quick ball from Julian Overy to Connor Squires found Jake Forder running at pace and putting the ball directly under the posts. Rory Cramp duly kicked the conversion and the sideline breathed a sigh of relief. Our first league points were on the board.

The kick off  from Hastings found Julian Overy  and a mistake by Hastings gave us a penalty, the forwards then made excellent ground into their 22 and after some pressure  by both sides we found ourselves with  a scrum feed. The forwards recognised the opportunity and an excellent platform was set for Overy to fire a ball out to Squires and in a perfect training run exercise Max Kotz took a lovely inside ball and he was over the line. Cramp once again converted.  Whilst we were 14 points up there was no real indication of what was to come as Hastings were pressing hard. Kotz was finding the Hastings man mountain at 8 a difficult proposition but holding his own.

The last 8 minutes of the first half unleashed a backs combination that the Hastings team had no answer to as Oliver Watson who was to score at least 4 tries  and Jake Forder 3 carved up the middle. The forwards lead by hooker Callum Halit were setting up excellent ball and the number of times that Halit and Overy were able to rip the ball from the opposition and provide ball to the backs was outstanding.  If Forder and Watson were not running in tries they were offloading to the wingers where Hugh Whitlock was making huge yards on every play down the wing and setting up tries with his breaking runs and ball handling. Into a very strong head wind we went in at half time with a very strong  36 points to nil lead.

By half time the forwards were starting to get the better of Hastings as Simon Ruddle and Billy Downes started to find strength and Halit commanded the forwards in tight play. After half time the trend continued. Tobias Maltman had proved one of the major differences in the first half getting to the breakdown with Tom Parr and between them providing excellent support. When both started running with the ball and breaking open the play they found great support from Jack Smith who is still working on his fitness following injury and Rory Cramp showing his usual zeal. Kotz was now getting on top and breaking the game open as Hastings found their 8 could not do it all on his own as Cramp, Maltman and Kotz wore him down.

The floodgates then opened as the backs played the ball at will as Overy dominated around the loose giving perfect ball to Squires who returned  the favour to his centres  providing inch perfect passes to the running Watson and Forder who found either the try line or James Woods and Whitlock both of whom made valuable yards. The rain had not come but the floodgates had opened.

With 20 minutes to go subs were made. Michael Green going on for an injured Rory Cramp and proving himself more than capable adding to the scrum and getting around the ground well and Ben Moverly-Smith for Tom Parr. Elliott Buckland came into the front row. Alex Basterfield into the second row, Harry Foster took up command at Fly Half  with Barnaby Blackstone at inside centre Sam Evans started outside centre and then moved to his customary blind side flank where he  finished the game in outstanding style . It was unfortunate for Hastings that this group of players were desperately hungry to make an impact. Foster continued the process of pin point passing, Buckland out muscled his bigger opponent. The Hyphen was ferocious in the scrum setting up an excellent try. Blackstone was involved in two plays of the day making a brilliant break with the ball and then weighting a perfect ball to Woods who ran in a try from 35 out. Blackstone followed with a cheeky kick and chase to put Maltman over the line. Foster used all his outstanding ball skills to put Squires clear down a wing, whilst Basterfield used his fresh legs to advantage, taking the ball up to the opposition who were by this time wondering how to get a break. In all the subs proved the depth of our team and have piled pressure on every player to continue their excellent form. Selection will continue to be difficult.

There are no doubt many candidates for most improved player however I have left special mention for Peter Dunne at full back who showed clean hands and heals all day to the opposition and was superb taking every ball with confidence and breaking lines in difficult conditions.

Our thanks must go to Hastings who were putting out a team that was quite inexperienced and they played the game in excellent fashion, never giving up despite the score line. The referee and the Hastings club dealt with the one unsavoury incident very swiftly and professionally. Their hospitality and post game attitude to what was a difficult day for them was a credit to their club and their supporters. We look forward to returning with some of our more inexperienced players for a friendly game in the near future. The score line does not reflect the effort they put into the game or the manner in which they played.

Overall it is impossible to name a best player. There were two highlights of the day for me. One was the incredible ball skills shown by all players with hardly a ball lost all day, the forwards dominating and setting great platforms, brilliant field kicking and positional play by the backs , the second was the integration of new players into the team. Last year we picked up Kotz, Foster, Parr and Ruddle late season who made an enormous difference. This year new players such as Downes, Forder, Whitlock and Watson have provided the impetus for pressure to lift the game of our regular players and the remainder of the season looks positive.

Next week we have Crawley where some players who missed out today will get an opportunity to show their ability and press for selection.

Tries Watson 4 Forder 3 Kotz 2 Parr 2 Woods 1, Maltman 1 Halit 1 Squires 1
Conversions Cramp 2  Overy 2  Foster 4

11/9/2008 6:17:04 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

2008/2009 Season

9/1/2008 4:40:42 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)     

Heathfield under 13s 26 East Grinstead under 13s 5

East Grinstead brought a strong squad to play Heathfield at Waldron on Sunday. Playing down the hill in the 1st half, the home sides forwards dominated from the off and created good quick rucked ball in wet conditions. Good driving over at rucks particularly by Conor Ingham, Alex Borg and Zach Llamas provided good quality possession.
Flankers Jamie Wardle and Jasper Wren never allowed the visitors any time or space and gradually Heathfield began to take control.  Fly Half  Harry Reilly both had an excellent game particularly with his kicking out of hand, pushing the East Grinstead side back down field.

It was only a matter of time before the visitors defence broke and a typical sniping try by scrum half Kieran Burdett opened the account. This was followed soon after by a typically aggressive try by second row Henry Ross who ripped the ball away after he appeared to have been held up over the line.  Outside centre George Bending had a great game and caused the defence no end of problems with his strong running. He was dreadfully unlucky when he beat the fullback for pace but in trying to go behind the posts was pushed over the dead ball line. But soon after as the defence duly drifted across to cover another potential attack from Bending, inside centre Fergus Diplock beautifully dummied and carved his way through to score.

East Grinstead rallied in the second half now playing down hill and created there own try after a sustained attack but it was Heathfields final try that typified their progression as a pack, with picking and driving play from the East Grinstead 22 metre line. Involving the whole pack, they picked and drove probably a dozen times over several minutes resulting in a fine try for Borg.

Pick of the players of the game for the Backs was Freddie Jones at Full back who looked solid and controlled in everything he did and in the forwards was Conor Ingham who was tireless in his performance. Harry “Cipriani” Reilly’s kicking game was also worthy of a mention kicking 3 out of 4 conversions. One of which was right out on the touchline.

Match report by Brady Burdett

3/18/2008 10:13:27 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Bognor Regis U13 0 V Heathfield U13 33

This match was always going to prove to be one of our most difficult away matches logistically due to the distance to travel and the proximity to Christmas. With player numbers dwindling rapidly during the week, Heathfield were able to field 16 players for what had the potential of being a very hard fixture. As it happened a further 3 players dropped out on the morning of the match leaving a 13 man team and one of those players suffering a heavy cold!

The match started with a hugely re-jigged team and two “borrowed” players from Bognor… and it started with a bang! From the kick-off, Heathfield pressured the Bognor forwards and the backs ran a few successful moves ending with a scrum on the Bognor 10 metre line. A great scrum followed allowing Greg Pearce, playing No. 8 for the first time, to peel blind. This sucked in the covering defence and a good inside pop to Fergus Diplock, again playing in a new position for Heathfield allowed him to break the last cover and score close to the corner. This try was brilliantly converted by Harry Reilly.

Then followed a period of about 15 minutes of sustained pressure from Bognor with attack after attack being repelled by some superb defensive tackling and rucking from the back row of Greg Pearce, Max Ellery and Jasper Wrenn. As soon as Bognor tried to move the ball wide, thumping tackles were made in the backs by Harry Reilly, George Bending and particularly Henry Jolliffe. Indeed, during this phase pf play, Bognor managed to cross the Heathfield line twice, knocking on once in a heavy tackle in the process of scoring and being held up by the forwards on the second occasion. Just when it looked like Heathfield would eventually leak a try, Heathfield managed to steal ruck ball and feed Henry Jolliffe just short of the Heathfield try-line. Henry beat the first tackle and then it was a straight footrace between him and the very speedy Bognor fullback. A well timed hand-off from Henry allowed him to fend off the attempted tackle and stroll in the final 30 metres to score under the posts. Harry easily making the conversion. There followed a period of good attacking play by both teams to provide a very entertaining first half with Heathfield leading 14 – 0.

The second half started in the same vein as the first ended with both sides playing fast entertaining rugby with nether side able to gain dominance. Heathfield managed to post the next score again from a defensive position close to their own line. A penalty conceded by Bognor allowed Harry Reilly to clear to the 10 metre line. The subsequent lineout was won by Heathfield (as were most lineouts throughout the match) and a series of backs moves and great ball retention from the forwards saw George Bending able to clear the last Bognor defender and dot the ball down close to the posts. Harry Reilly again converting to take the score to 21 – 0.

Then followed a bit of pantomime from the re-start with the kick not going 10 metres. Whilst the entire Bognor team were static watching the ball, quick thinking from Henry Jolliffe saw him collect the ball at full pace and beat the defence without a hand being laid on him, to score under to the posts. Harry converted tacking the score to 28 - 0.

Bognor looked deflated at this point but credit to them for fighting back to again come close to scoring with the Heathfield defence still having to work hard to keep Bognor at bay. Heathfield managed to work their way upfield again through a series of excellent clearances from Harry Reilly and great ball retention from the forwards. Eventually, Heathfield were awarded a penalty on the half-way line which Harry tapped to himself and then placed a great cross-field kick for Jasper, Henry J. and Callum Cuming to chase down. The ensuing ruck was hit by a phalanx of Heathfield forwards arriving at pace to clear out allowing Henry J. to pick up through the middle of the ruck and break clear to score. Harry Riley finally missed this conversion leaving the match score at 33 – 0.

All-in-all a hugely entertaining game of rugby, played on an excellent pitch (given the recent weather!) and in superb spirit. Man of the match for the forwards was well contested by a number of players but in the end goes to Max Ellery for putting in a great performance when he shouldn’t have even been playing and to Fergus Diplock for some sterling work behind his forwards and against a perpetually offside opponent! Henry Jolliffe gets a very honourable mention for his 3 tries, great tackling, brilliant running and for being the first Heathfield U13 player to throw-up during a game, be taken off and then come back for more!!!

12/17/2007 4:03:18 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield U13 24 Midhurst U13 17

The match started fairly evenly with Heathfield electing to play into the wind in the first half. The Heathfield forwards just shaded the early period close quarter exchanges with good ruck ball won by Dean Pennell and Max Ellery allowing the back row to make good inroads into the Midhurst defence. Heathfield generally had the better of a bigger Midhurst pack during this period. Heathfield attempted to move the ball wide on a number of occasions but the big Midhurst inside centre was able to close down and kill most of these moves. It was from one of these breakdowns that Heathfield were able to quickly re-cycle the ball and quick hands enabled Henry Jolliffe to break clear. Further strong running by Jolliffe saw him beating 3 further tackles to score under the posts. Hugo Davies converted for a deserved 7 - 0 lead.

 
From the restart, Heathfield continued to pressure the Midhurst pack and a series of promising attacks were repelled by Midhurst defensive kicking using the wind well to clear thier lines. Heathfield's second try came from a Midhurst clearance kick that was fielded on the half-way line by Henry Jolliffe who was able to evade a number of Midhurst tackles to score his second in the corner. Midhurst countered almost immediately from the restart with the ball being recycled through thier big centre who managed to commit 4 Heathfield players to the tackle. This left Heathfield short of cover on the left where Midhurst's speedy winger was able to evade the first hurried tackle and then to outpace the covering defence to score in the corner. Half-time came with the game still in the balance at 12 - 5 to Heathfield.

Midhurst came out for the second half in barnstorming mood and took the game to Heathfield. The Midhurst pack started to exert greater pressure on Heathfield's forwards and started to gain better ball and more territory as a consequence. Heathfield's defence, outstandingly marshalled by Jasper Wrenn, Jamie Wardle and Greg Pearce, held out firmly until mid-way through the half when the big Midhurst centre, who had caused problems all match, managed to break a couple of tackles and score in the corner to set-up a final pulsating 10 minutes with the match in the balance at 12 - 10.

 
This score had a galvanising effect on the Heathfield forwards who raised thier game and managed to put together a passage of play involving multiple phases of good support from both backs and forwards. This led to a number of good breaks from both the backs and forwards culminating in a penalty on the Midhurst 10 metre line. Jasper Wrenn took a quick tap and was tackled early gaining his team a further 10 metres. He again took a tap and managed to evade and hand-off 4 Midhurst tacklers in an angled run into the Midhurst midfield taking him to 10 metres from the try-line. With the Midhurst defence committed to stopping him Wrenn cleverly popped the ball to centre Jack Koops who ran in to score taking the score to 17 - 10.

 
With 5 minutes to go, Heathfield appeared to ease off slightly allowing Midhurst's centre again to break free and score close to the posts. This try was converted leaving the score at a nailbiting 17 - 17 with 4 minutes to play. Again Heathfield came back at Midhurst with some good phased play forcing a number of Midhurst errors close to thier try-line. This pressure eventually led to Midhurst touching down behind thier own try line. From the ensuing 5 metre scrum, Heathfield managed to set up good phased possession and a sniping run by scrum half Hugo Davies saw him score next to the posts. Davies converted to leave a final score of 24 - 17 to Heathfield.

The forwards MoM was Jasper Wrenn with Hugo Davies taking the backs MoM award.

 
This was a highly entertaining and hard fought match which showed considerable skill in tricky conditions from both squads and maintains Heathfields unbeaten home record.

11/26/2007 12:01:37 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield and Waldron RFC U13 22 Horsham RFC U13 0

Heathfield enjoyed a stunning League victory over Horsham and look once again look to be back on the last year’s form.

Horsham started the game strongly and took the game to Heathfield who defended rigorously and then started to push Horsham up the Park. Heathfield found themselves entrenched on the Horsham line and the first try of the day went to Kieran Burdett who intercepted a pass on the Horsham line and neatly touched down.

From then on this became a game dominated by the Heathfield forwards, who rucked with determination and this was to prove to be decisive as the game developed. More and more clean ball was supplied for the backs to flex their legs. Harry Reilly at fly half used his boot to provide important territory for his backs to pressure the Horsham full back.

The second try was provided by Gabrielle Davies who took a beautifully weighted pass from Harry Reilly, slipped by on the blind side to sprint 20 yards down the touch line to score in the corner.

Horsham then marshalled and started to attack the Heathfield half but determined forward play by Jamie Wardle, Alex Borg and Jasper Wren ensured that all pressure was soaked up and once again Heathfield found themselves with a scrum in midfield. A crash ball from centre George Bending created second phase. Jamie Wardle at Flanker, in an important supporting position picked up, shrugged off two tackles and ran 40 metres to score under the posts, with Harry Reilly providing the necessary conversion.

From now on the game opened up for Heathfield with some excellent running angles from George Bending and Fergus Diplock, who once again played a thoughtful game and Ollie Giles always looked threatening and in the forwards Greg Pearce, Adam Davies and Henry Ross were the driving force behind their success.

The final try was snatched by Kieran Burdett in the last few minutes but Horsham never gave up until the final whistle.

A thoroughly enjoyable game of rugby with both teams playing exciting, attacking rugby with excellent spirit.

Upwards and onwards!

11/6/2007 4:16:10 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

HWRFC Under 13 Squad photos

Here are a couple of photo's of the Under 13's taken on the 13th October at Haywards Heath RFC.

10/15/2007 11:44:58 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)     

H&W RFC U13 (27) V Crowborough U13 (7)

Heathfield U 13's kicked off their first match of the season with a friendly against local side Crowborough and were allowed to play on the main 1st team pitch.

Harry Reilly, after 5 minutes, put the first 3 points on the board after Crowborough were penalised for a high tackle and after this the game was dominated by some excellent forward play that helped Harry Reilly to pressure Crowborough with effective set pieces. At one stage, Heathfield went through seven phases of uninterrupted play where the ball was handled by virtually the whole team. Jasper Wren, Henry Ross and Jamie Wardle were highly effective in the scrum and Crowborough were not allowed to get into the game by Heathfield. The partnership between scrum half Kieran Burdett and Harry Reilly at fly Half is proving to be extremely effective and pressure kicking put Crowborough on the back foot. Unfortunately Heathfield lost Henry Jolliffe early on who retired from the game injured after having already proved his pace.

Jamie Wardle scored the first try from a quickly taken tap-penalty close to the Crowborough line. and ten minutes later, Wardle again tapped quickly from a similar position and found Henry Ross who ran a spirited sprint to touch down the first of his two tries.  The conversion was ably converted from wide out. Jack Koops and Callum Cuming are proving to both have the pace for some deft kicks that tested the Crowborough defence. Jamie Wardle scored the third try with some breathtaking footwork to evade Crowborough's last defence, following some good handling by the backs, once again successfully converted.

After this it was the forwards who once more took the game by the scruff of the neck and just would not let the ball go, dominating the mauls and rucks with gutsy determination and it was from one such ruck that Henry Ross peeled way and took a brilliant angle to score Heathfield's final try.

This was a hugely enjoyable match to watch with both sides playing extremely positive rugby and Crowborough were rewarded with a try and conversion in the last few minutes after putting up a dogged and spirited performance.

The whole Heathfield team supported each other, put in some crunching tackles and Adam Davies, Max Ellery and Dean Pennell were constantly at any breakdown and Louis Chavannes, Isaac Brown and Freddie Jones all played important parts insuring that the Heathfield defence was not breached. Man of the match for Heathfield in the backs was Fergus Diplock at inside centre, who tackled, rucked and ran tirelessly all game, with Jamie Wardle given the Forwards award, thanks to his 2 tries and aggressive tackling.

This was Heathfield's first match on a full pitch and the sides stamina and fitness and general positive rugby and teamwork augur well for an interesting season ahead!

9/23/2007 8:16:00 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)     

Heathfield U13's 54 Edenbridge U13's 0

It would be fair to say that there is a little bit of history between these two squads as a result of matches played whilst on tour with the Minis on the Isle of Wight over the past few years. The last meeting was at the Vectis Festival 2006 when Edenbridge, having received a mauling from Heathfield in the not so friendly Saturday game, duly eliminated them from the Tournament on the Sunday.

The match got under way just after the heavy rain started  but this did not seem to deter a very determined Heathfield side from going straight out and securing the first score within 2 minutes of the start with prop Daniel Halls powering over for his first try for the club.

This immediately settled the Heathfield forwards and straight from the re-start they regained possession and after some amazing passes & interchanges in midfield got the ball to Toby Warren who ran clear of the Edenbridge backs at their 10m line to touch down under the posts. Fly half Mathew Barber converted with a fine kick in the increasingly difficult conditions. Blindside Flanker JJ Redman was the next Heathfield player to score, powering his way through the Edenbridge backs leaving them trailing in his wake, there seemed little they could do to stop such a strong player. It was at this time that the coach decided it was time to ring some changes bringing on three substitutes, a luxury that he has not been afforded over the last few weeks through lack of players. The Heathfield team continued to pile on the pressure & when Daniel Halls popped the ball out of a maul to JJ Redman he didn’t need telling what to do next and powered over in the corner. Mathew Barber stepped up & coolly converted his kick to put the home side 24:0 up at half time.

Heathfield were now playing downhill for the second half and judging by the first half performance were expected to pile on more points. Sure enough George Wardle, playing today at inside centre, didn’t disappoint, appearing out of a mêlée on the Edenbridge 5m line to crash over the line for another try. Mathew Barber’s attempt at converting fell a little short but this was no disgrace as he was now kicking directly into the driving wind & rain. The game was turning into somewhat of a war of attrition with injuries to the Edenbridge side reducing them to 14 players. Heathfield’s Oscar Lacey deserves great credit for volunteering to make up the numbers for the opposing side after playing a full first half for Heathfield.

Bruno Halit seems to have taken to his new role out on the wing and the Heathfield backs are now realising that if they can feed the ball out quickly enough he is able to use his size and pace to good advantage. Sure enough he was next on the score sheet with a fine burst the corner from 25 metres out. By this time Heathfield realised that their best chance of scoring in the awful conditions was running, not kicking, therefore they waived their right to any further conversions in favour of getting on with the match. JJ Redman scored two further tries, Toby Warren added to his tally once more and Man of the Match Bruno Lomu Halit crowned the display with the final, 10^th try of the match right on the final whistle.

To their credit, the Edenbridge players remained resolute to the end and never gave up despite the awful conditions.

Coach Mike Barber had given the team a stern dressing down after last week’s performance against Cranbrook when despite winning they had almost let a commanding first half lead slip by the final whistle. The same could not be levelled at them this week and the team never once looked like letting the opposition breach their defences whilst at all times retaining their desire to increase the score right to the final whistle.

This was the third time Heathfield had racked up over fifty points in a match this season and even more impressively the fifth win with a clean sheet of the season.

A fine performance by the whole squad : Jack Fellows, Daniel Halls, Ben Smith, Ben Maltman, George Wardle, Reece Webb, JJ Redman, David Bayly, Harry Smith, Sam Saunters, Mathew Barber, Bruno Halit, Spencer Heath, Gregory Johnson, Sam Keylock, Toby Warren, Oscar Lacey, Joseph Hastings.

Match report by Richard Smith

3/4/2007 9:47:09 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

U13's help...

2/27/2007 8:35:50 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Under 13s: YOUR Squad needs YOUR Help.

Dear All

We had to take the field on Sunday for our final league match of the season against Eastbourne with a squad of 14 team-members. The team did fantastically in the circumstances and we were lucky we only had to retire one player through a slight injury.

However, this has highlighted that we need some more players to ensure we can always field a squad of 18, after allowing for absences, injuries etc. Right now the entire squad size is just 20 and at the end of the season a couple of players will be moving away from Sussex.

The purpose of this e-mail is therefore to enlist all your help with recruitment. The coming couple of weeks are a particularly good time for new players to come along and guests are welcome to attend the Under 13 team curry night (7.30pm - 9.00pm) after training on Wednesday 14th during half-term (not to be confused with the curry fund-raiser being organised by the Under 15s):

• Wednesday 7 February: Home Training
• Sunday 11 February: Home Training
• Wednesday 14 February: Home Training and Under 13 Curry Night
• Sunday 18 February - Bognor Away
• Wednesday 21 February: Home Training
• Sunday 25 February - Tunbridge Wells Home

Note that we have cancelled the fixture away at Pulborough this coming Sunday due to lack of squad size. We'll have to see how things shape up for Bognor in terms of numbers.

So, please, please, please make an effort to bring along some new potential players to try it out - I know that Heathfield and Uplands are due to start rugby in earnest after half term and note that we have agreed 6 free memberships for new players for the remainder of the season so let's take advantage of this.  

Team members who attend Heathfield Community College: the biggest responsibility is on you since I know there are a lot of good players there.

All the best

Douglas Wardle

2/10/2007 11:53:44 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Hove U13 B's 0 Heathfield U13's 15

A strong and combative Hove B squad started the match well straight from the kick off. However Heathfield were up for the task and after some fine defensive work they managed to gain possession of the ball and then went on through the backs to skilfully switch play from one side of the pitch to the other whilst making good forward progress over the half way line. By the time the ball got out to Toby Warren the Hove defence were only able to follow him over the line & watch whilst he touched down for the first Heathfield try just on 5 minutes.

Another determined attack & sustained pressure from Heathfield was starting to tell on the Hove defence & sure enough they gave away a penalty about 8m out. Heathfield No 8 David Bayly took a quick tap and despite his own forwards struggling to keep up with him he forced his way over the line on his own.

Unfortunately the windy conditions were not favouring the kicker & despite getting a good line on the conversion attempt Mathew Barber was unable to get the range required to get the ball over the bar.

By now the Heathfield confidence was growing and the pack were winning most of the scrums. Front row players Daniel Halls, Ben Smith and Jack Fellows all had fine games, each making the hard yards in typical driving fashion. They were ably supported & pushed on by locks Reece Webb and Sam Keylock and the back row of George & James Wardle with David Bayly at No. 8 is starting to become a formidable. With quality forward play Scrum Half Harry Smith was able to get quick ball out of scrums & breakdown situations which only increased the pressure on the Hove defence who had to resort to touching down behind their own line to prevent Heathfield adding to the score.

The first half finished with winger Ollie Kent temporarily on the touch line after a minor injury sustained during one of his regular lightning runs down the wing.

The second half saw Hove come out fighting to attempt to get back in the match. The game seemed to be more evenly balanced with Hove having more success in the scrum although Heathfield’s extra pre-match lineout practice seemed to be paying off with them contesting well to win possession on many occasions. Just as it was looking likely that the match would finish 10 – 0 with neither side managing to break through Toby Warren charged down an attempted clearance by Hove on the 10 m line. Second half substitute Sam Saunters dropped on the ball & secured possession for the Heathfield side with No 8 David Bayly picking up & driving over in typical bullish style.

Mathew Barber again got a good line on the kick, but was unable to make the range required to convert the try.

This was an all round good performance by a squad who are now starting to put together some good exciting Rugby with some excellent handling and creative play. Those players who go to complete the full line up, Ben Maltman, Bruno Halit, Gregory Johnson, Joseph Hastings, Oscar Lacey & Spencer Heath are all well worthy of a mention.

This was the first time that Heathfield have got the better of any Hove team at this level and such is the strength in depth at Hove in the U13 age group that their B team are a match for most other sides on their day. So overall a very satisfying result and one which adds to a solid start to fifteen man rugby for this squad with one defeat and three victories in the league and all the wins secured without conceding a single point.

Head Coach Mike Barber was a happy man at the end, but in a typical show of MB dedication to the cause, could still see areas where improvement is required in order to achieve the squad’s full potential.

Report by Richard Smith

1/14/2007 5:53:39 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield U13's 56 Hastings & Bexhill U13's 0

After a wet & windy night the teams took to the heavy pitch at Waldron under welcome patches of blue sky.

Heathfield started strongly with a try by prop Ben Smith within the first three minutes. A sound kick by fly half Matthew Barber secured the 2 points for the conversion. After some fine play throughout the team flanker George Wardle managed to fight his way through some strong Hastings defending for his first try of the day. Within another five minutes he had his second and before the end of the first half George had added a third to complete his hat trick, his last two being sandwiched by a typically strong try scoring run from a set play by centre Toby Warren. Unfortunately the strong & blustery winds were too much for Matthew Barber to add to the scores with further conversions but still the hosts went in to half time leading by 27 – 0.

The second half started much the same way as the first with another try from the forward contingent, this time prop Bruno Halit was the scorer. No 8, David Bayly was the next player to add his name to the score sheet with some play which typified his performance all match. Toby Warren ran another try in soon after & this time Matthew Barber got the measure of the wind again with a good conversion kick. David Bayly added his second of the match capping a display that drew high praise from the referee during the post match chat with the coach. The frenetic pace of the match did not let up and to Hastings’ credit they were straight back on the attack from the re-start to set up some good driving rugby towards the Heathfield line. From the Heathfield perspective it was good to see that they were not only about running in tries. They defended well against the Hastings push, well enough in fact to turn the tables once again and take the play back up to the other end where Toby Warren scored his third & final try following a flowing backs move. Matthew Barber completed the game with his third successful kick of the day.

There were fine displays throughout the squad, all eighteen players working hard in what were heavy conditions by the end of the match. Some players were in new positions, Joseph Hastings played well at full back, Harry Smith is taking well to his new position as scrum half. Oliver Kent played well out on the wing before coming back in to take over in his usual role as scrum half in the second half & openside flanker James Wardle is back to his battling best only four weeks after losing the plaster cast from his leg.

George Wardle was named man of the match not only for his hat trick of tries, but also his general dedication to the cause, never missing a tackle.

To complete the full line up, as well as those already mentioned, were: Andrew Horsfall-Turner, Sam Keylock, Ben Maltman, Reece Webb, Jack Fellows, Daniel Halls, Gregory Johnson & Spencer Heath.      

Match Report by Richard Smith

12/3/2006 6:24:54 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield U13's 17 Hellingly U13's 0

Despite appalling weather conditions a large crowd gathered at Cross in Hand to watch the Heathfield and Waldron Under 13s take on local rivals Hellingly in the first League encounter of the season.

All the hard work in training started to pay off as Heathfield took control of the game from the first whistle. Much of the first quarter was spent on the Hellingly 22 metre line

but despite creating numerous chances they could not turn them into points. Eventually the breakthrough came when the Heathfield pack drove for the line with some very dynamic rucking from the two Sams, Keylock and Saunters which forced an infringement from Hellingly. Full Back Matthew Barber stepped up and coolly slotted the penalty.

This lifted the Heathfield spirits and forwards and backs enjoyed a spell of territory and possession during which they played some of their best rugby of the season so far. Half back pairing Ollie Kent and David Bayly combined well and provided an excellent platform for the centres to attack with both Andrew Horsfall-Turner and captain Toby Warren making some strong and very direct runs through the Hellingly defence it looked like only a matter of time before one of them would score.

Yet Heathfield seemed to make hard work of it and as much as the forwards dominated they held onto the ball just a little too long and the final scoring pass eluded them. Relief came on the stroke of half time when a quick ball from the base of the scrum allowed fly half  David Bayly to run one of the club moves, dummying to his inside centre and executing a well timed switch with Toby Warren who burst straight through three tackles to score in the corner. Barber added the conversion from a tight angle and as the teams turned round for the second half Heathfield started to relax a little and play a more controlled game.

Hellingly came back strongly in the opening stages of the second half and their front five made some strong surges through the middle of the pitch which Heathfield did well to contain. The home side were clearly very determined not to let their opponents back into it and the backs in particular showed maturity as they handled the ball extremely well in the wet conditions. Full back Barber showed how to turn defence into attack as he cleanly took a high ball in his own half and opened up the play by cutting through the Helljngly midfield with a jinking run which stopped just short of the try line. In the ruck which followed powerhouse prop Bruno Halit was unstoppable as he took a quick pop pass and smashed through from five metres out. Barber again converted to create an unassailable lead.

In the closing stages it looked as though the floodgates would open as the Heathfield backs created numerous chances but to their immense credit Hellingly kept going and tackled their hearts out right to the final whistle.. Flanker George Wardle almost crowned an excellent performance with a try but the referee judged  a double movement in grounding the ball on the line.

All round an excellent first league win with particularly fine performances from newcomers Daniel Halls and Oscar Lacey and a welcome return to the fold for Ben Smith. The man of the match award went to Matthew Barber for his all round game and excellent kicking display in the difficult conditions.

Report by Mike Barber

10/22/2006 8:45:04 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)     

U13's training

Our U13's start training this week on Wednesday 6th September.

Training is from 6.00pm tp 7.15pm at the Club.

For more information please contact Mike Barber on 07790 700267

9/3/2006 6:39:41 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)     

Heathfield & Waldron U13's Fixtures 2006/2007

24/09/06

U13's Festival (h)

08/10/06

Brighton (a)

22/10/06

Hellingly (h)

05/11/06

Cranleigh (a)

26/11/06

Crowborough (h)

03/12/06

Hastings (h)

10/12/06

Lewes (a)

14/01/07

Hove B (a)

21/01/07

Tonbridge Judds (h)

04/02/07

Eastbourne (a)

11/02/07

Pulborough (a)

18/02/07

Bognor (a)

25/02/07

Cranbrook (h)

11/03/07

Tunbridge Wells (h)

18/03/07

League semis (a)

25/03/07

Eastbourne (a)

01/04/07

League final (a)

Hellingly/Hastings (a)

12-15/04/07

Easter Tour (a)

29/04/07 (provisional date)

Worthing 7's (a)

8/1/2006 5:02:53 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)     

U13's 2006/2007

Please send any items for inclusion on the coming season, training times, contact information etc to nick.green@hwrfc.co.uk

7/7/2006 11:15:53 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)     

East Grinstead U13's 15 Heathfield & Waldron U13's 10

This was certainly a game of two halves.  From the kick off, East Grinstead, who were playing down the slope, went into an early lead with a try.  However, Heathfield dug in and defended superbly soaking up East Grinstead’s barrage of attacks to end the half only 2 tries down.

A superb run by Heathfield’s Fullback, Joe Benians from just outside his own 22 metre line resulted in an early second half try which brought Heathfield back into the game.  However, he had to leave the game through injury shortly afterwards which allowed East Grinstead to counter whilst Heathfield were still re-organised their defence, and score their 3^rd try of the game.

Some good runs by Flyhalf Jack Warren and superb tackling by ALL of the Heathfield side enabled the visitors to get back into the game.

A strong run by Inside Centre Oli Stables from just outside his own 22 metre area and fine supporting play by Loose Head Prop Fraser Goatcher ended in the Prop sprinting the full length of the East Grinstead half, riding a couple of tackles, and scoring a brilliant try in the bottom corner.

East Grinstead brought the play back to the visitors, but again Heathfield’s strong defensive teamwork kept the home team at bay.

This was a good all round performance by both sides, it’s a pity that there had to be a loser.

   Report by: U13 Management

1/22/2006 12:57:20 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)