For the third week in a row Heathfield came from behind to maintain their unbeaten record in Sussex Division I with a fine disciplined performance.  With all three teams again winning on Saturday and all three at the top of their respective leagues, Heathfield is in excellent fettle at present.

Rugby at Seaford at this time of year is never a soft option and conditions were as bad as many experienced watchers could remember.  The day was dominated by the conditions and the home team had the benefit of the wind in the first half.  Their kicker was naturally familiar with these circumstances and his kicking style for penalties illustrated this knowledge, putting the ball high and letting the wind do the work.  His first effort from halfway was considered good by both touch-judges but the referee decided otherwise.  Seaford had five kickable penalties in this period but only succeeded with two.

As the first half evolved the Heathfield pack began to establish the required pattern of play, eschewing long passes and risky kicks.  The pack retained control of the ball for long periods, picking and driving forward.  On several occasions the visitors managed to work into the sea-end half of the pitch but each time a turnover resulted in a simple kick driving them back fifty or more yards.  The discipline and control displayed by the green pack in this period was impressive, reflecting the hard work in training.  One very impressive and extensive drive was spoiled near the Seaford try line by a moment of indiscipline by a green shirt.  Otherwise every member of the pack had a magnificent day and a similar standard of play in good conditions will pose problems for very good sides. One key factor was that scrum-half Will Christian  had his best game yet for Heathfield with a combative and creative performance.

There was little open play since handling was very difficult with a wet cold ball in a strong breeze with occasional heavy showers.  This meant that the breakdown, rucks and mauls were critical and inevitably the referee had a contentious day.   Heathfield have had their problems with referees but on this occasion it was probably the home team that coped less well since they received one yellow card in the first half and three in the second.  This was a reflection of the pressure that Heathfield were applying.

The score of 6-0 in favour of the home side at half time was generally considered satisfactory by the damp visiting supporters.  As expected, from the start of the second half most of the play was in the Seaford half but the home side never lacked in commitment and effort so there was no further score for nearly fifteen minutes.  At this point because of injury Mark Walker was replaced by Bob Fiford who made an impressive debut in a competitive match.  The loss of such a major player could have unsettled the team but instead pressure finally told and Matt Skinner scored a fine try after one of the few handling movements in the match.  The conversion by Bryn Jones put Heathfield ahead 6-7 and there were few further doubts about the result.

Given the yellow cards that were now handicapping the home team it was little surprise when Sam Thewlis touched down and then a penalty in front of the posts allowed Bryn Jones to establish a 6-15 scoreline.

The fly-half had been acting as an extension of the back row, making many hard yards around the breakdown with the centres Damien Pestell and Matt Skinner also closely involved and now Matt ripped the ball from a maul near the Seaford line to score his second in the match (6-20)

To their credit Seaford continued to contest fiercely and occasionally managed to break out to the windward end.  But Heathfield were now well on top and inevitably green counter-attacks led to tries by Dan Hunter-Evans (with an assist from Rob Lawrence) and Adam Tennant, one of which was converted (6-32).

Next Saturday (8^th December) Heathfield entertain East Grinstead in a Sussex Shield quarter final, kick off 1.45.  Given the closeness of the game between these two sides two weeks ago this could be a suitably seasonal cracker.

Report by Phil Bell.

Comment from Mike de St Croix, H&W President

This was one of Heathfield`s best performances since I have been at the club. Both sides and the referee deserve huge credit for playing the game at all in quite horrible conditions but the fact that Heathfield only conceded 6 points against the elements was an indication of their superiority.Their tactical play was superb and their ability to expand their game playing with the wind resulted in some powerful attacking rugby. This side is now looking as competent as the one who won Sussex League I with an unbeaten record almost ten years ago. They have some tough games ahead but if they maintain the concentration level they showed against Seaford they will continue to delight their supporters.

12/1/2007 8:55:27 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)