Although Heathfield won this Sussex League I match convincingly enough a young Brighton side competed courageously until the final quarter when the powerful Heath field side overwhelmed them with some scintillating rugby. The winning margin would have looked more impressive had the visitors converted their tries and penalty opportunities.

Playing against the elements in the first half Heath were prevented from imposing themselves by a lively and motivated home side and the stronger visitors were forced into making a number of basic errors. Their lineout ball was insecure, passes frequently went astray and they lost ball on the ground to the smaller Brighton loose forwards. However the Heathfield defence was solid and Brighton failed to capitalise on the good work put in by their pack. They led by a solitary penalty at half time.

After the break Heathfield were galvanised into more stirring action and immediately took a slender lead through Rob Lawrence after an excellent rolling maul by the forwards. The domination of the game that followed later was delayed by the sin binning of lock Kobe Tonkin for persistent infringement at the breakdown. With only seven forwards to play against Brighton mounted attack after attack but Heath fields’ strength and determination arrested the Home side’s efforts and in effect broke their resolve to overcome their visitors. This was a heroic period of defensive play by the Greenies with all fourteen players tackling like dervishes and with skipper Jones making some telling clearing kicks. With one of their lineout forwards off the field Heath produced some of their best lineout play by throwing short to the impressive Mark Walker and then shoving the Brighton eight back yards with Rob Lawrence organising the rolling maul. These two talented young forwards had wonderful games for the Greenies.

Once Kobe returned from the sin bin the whole game turned and Heathfield delighted their large band of travelling supporters with an invigorating display of attacking rugby. The feast of scoring began with man of the match Matt Skinner racing in to the corner for a fine individual try created by the pack gaining quick ball from the loose. Soon after this Rob Lawrence pounced on the ball which squirted out of the side of a ruck near the Brighton line. He was as surprised as anyone, especially the Brighton side by his good fortune and looked like a cheeky schoolboy as he gleefully accepted his chance and ran in unopposed.

Heath field were now in their stride with their forwards in charge and with Will Christian throwing out some good passes to Bryn Jones who was now showing what a class act he can be at outside half. A half break by Jones and some excellent running and passing in the centre led to Adam Tennant finishing with clinical efficiency. Heathfield had eased into a 24-3 lead. An even better try completed the afternoon’s entertainment when Bryn Jones again received good ball and made a scything break from the Heathfield ten metre line to put his talented centres clear with Matt Skinner touching down for his second try.

Heath field have a tough two weeks ahead with a cup and league double header against unbeaten East Grinstead with both games to be played at Cross in Hand. A large crowd is anticipated for both games (17^th & 24^th Nov) and a feast of rugby will be in the offing.  

Report by Mike de St Croix

11/9/2007 3:42:24 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)