This local derby match was robustly contested but played in good spirit under the watchful eye of a thoroughly competent referee. Heathfield played all the rugby and proved to a huge crowd exactly why they are Sussex Division 1 champions with a one hundred percent record. They dominated this match from beginning to end scoring four good tries in the process. As has so often been the case this season the Greenies pack were awesome especially at the lineout and in the loose. Uckfield competed well in the tight but the speed and power of the Greenies eight dictated the course of the match. Kiwi Mark Walker, moved to No 6 for this game, was immense in everything he did and with Simon Wilson and Bruce Pestell also in peak form the back row carried forward superbly and continually turned over any ball which Uckfield threatened to win. Lee Vockins had a marvellous tussle with his talented opposite number and put in some crunching tackles. It was his kind of game and he emerged with great credit. His half back partner Bryn Jones controlled the game well putting in some excellent positional kicks and releasing his backs when tries were in the offing. Every Heathfield player performed admirably in what was very much a team performance by a group of players who play for each other and who provide great entertainment for their large group of loyal supporters. No side achieves success without strong and skilful leadership and the Heathfield coach Dave Jones has been the mentor and inspiration behind this result and the successes of the season.

Mercifully the rain which was forecast did not materialise and Uckfield produced an excellent playing surface. After both sides had missed penalty opportunities Heathfield opened the scoring when their forwards produced quick ball for the three quarters to move the ball to Adam Tennant who timed his pass perfectly for full back Will Drinkwater to cross half way out. The wind which troubled the kickers all afternoon  ensured that the Heathfield lead was restricted to five points. Half way through the first period Matt Skinner was successful with a penalty kick and the  Greenies then scored one of their copybook tries when Mark Walker secured lineout ball near the Uckfield line for the Greenies eight to trundle to the try line allowing try scorer extraordinary Rob Lawrence to score another of his many tries this season. Heathfield`s other try machine Adam Tennant nearly stole a march on Lawrence when he seemed certain to score on half time. Alas he dropped the ball just before scoring.

The halftime score was 15-0 to Heathfield but soon after the break Tim Evans won a turnover, Bryn Jones made a break and Tennant jinked his way to the line this time making sure to hang on to the ball. An excellent conversion made the score 22-0 and put the game out of Uckfield`s reach. However Heathfield continued to dominate and with subs Mono Thewlis, Tom Pritchard and Richard Cooley providing fresh legs one of Heath field’s ever presents Tim Evans scored a forwards try which was converted to complete one of Heathfield`s best victories over their local rivals. On a day when Heathfield`s two other teams clinched first place in their league competitions this was indeed a day of triumph for the Greenies.

Report by Mike de St Croix

Dan politely gets an Uckfield player back on their side of the ruck...

3/29/2008 8:32:40 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)