Although the weather was bitterly cold the annual Christmas derby between these closely linked clubs capped a splendid occasion at Cross in Hand last Saturday. The Heath field Vice Presidents with their guests from Uckfield enjoyed a sumptuous Christmas meal before the Club’s principal Sponsor WRIGHTSURE INSURANCE received their new pitch side banners from Heathfield President Mike de St Croix.

The game was as always keenly contested and the young Uckfield side not only shocked their opponents who remain unbeaten in the league but came away with great credit having defended bravely and having played some spirited rugby. They only needed one goal to snatch a victory which would have spoiled the carnival atmosphere for their hosts.

As is their custom Heathfield started slowly and conceded early penalties which were gratefully converted by Uckfield. With mistakes being made by both sides it seemed likely that Uckfield could hold their slender 6-0 lead until half time. But then as the final quarter of the half approached Heathfield struck twice with excellent tries. First Bryn Jones the Greenies inspirational skipper burst strongly through some flimsy Uckfiel tackling to score near the posts from some way out. The conversion was missed but soon after the Heathfield backs played some of the rugby that has marked their success this season and full back Thewlis completed a move from the three quarters to add a second try which Jones converted. These two tries turned out to be crucial and gave the home side a half time lead of 17-6.

Heathfeld`s supporters expected the score line to be doubled in the second half in their sides favour  Uckfield had other ideas and their smaller forwards competed ferociously while their backs always looked dangerous. Far from Heathfield drawing further ahead Uckfield scored the only try in the second half when their tight head prop found himself on the wing where he completed an excellent spell of play by his side to score a fine try. This try lifted the Uckfield team who continued to make life difficult for the favourites until the final minutes.

While the score in this match, which was played in the best of spirits, was a fair reflection on the game it must be said that Heathfield will need to tidy up aspects of their game after Christmas if they are going to take the Sussex League 1 title outright. An analysis of their games would show that they start slowly and concede too many penalties especially early in the game. They need to improve their place kicking and they need to be more ruthless when they are dominating. On Saturday they spent the majority of the second half in their opponents 22 without scoring and lost the ball in the act of scoring more than once. But no one is perfect and this is a very good and happy side, superbly coached and marvellously supported. They have already played some wonderful rugby and will continue to do so in 2008.

Report by Mike de St Croix

12/15/2007 12:07:20 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)