Crowborough deserved to win a this splendidly contested Cup and League match but the fast improving Heathfield side came out of the game with great credit. Feeding on a paucity of possession their backs defended ferociously for long periods of the game and scored two high quality tries, one in each half.
The first half was largely dominated by the visitors who won nearly all the clean line out ball and provided a flow of good ball to their backs. Heathfield were under enormous pressure and conceded too many penalties and a yellow card. However, well as Crowborough played, their swift outsides could not break Heaths rock solid defence. The home side tackled bravely and somehow kept a clean scoresheet until Crowborough eased ahead with a penalty. Heathfield struck back immediately with a superb try. The ball was moved quickly to Sam Thewlis coming into the line who took a great line at pace to send Mike Hole on a run to score wide on the right. Crowborough responded immediately with a well manufactured try and half time saw them ahead by a three points.
The second half was similar to the first with Crowborough continuing to gain more and better quality ball and Heathfield defending with great determination but still conceding too many penalties. There were too more excellent tries one by each side. The Heathfield try was started by Bryn Jones who had a sound game as captain and outside half and scored by the admirable Damien Pestell after a strong surge to the line. Hard as the Greenies tried to make the final score to snatch what would have been a remarkable victory, Crowborough held on to continue their winning run in Sussex 1.
The whole Heathfield side deserves credit. Every player gave their all, there was great defensive work from backs and forwards alike and a highly polished performance in defence and attack from Heaths full back Sam Thewlis.