Conditions were perfect for this Sussex Division I match between near-neighbours.  There was little wind, some cloud, no rain and the pitch at Cross-In-Hand is now in magnificent condition.

Hellingly were promoted from Sussex Division II last year and on the basis of this match they look likely to be competitive at this level.  However they were immediately handicapped by the loss of their tight-head prop in the first scrum with a jarred neck and were under steady pressure from the home side with successive attacks on both wings.  On three occasions within a few minutes a Heathfield player crossed the line only to be recalled for a forward pass.

At such moments frustration can begin to upset concentration but eventually Bruce Pestell and then Matt Skinner scored fine tries after good handling moves and it began to look as though a comfortable win was likely. 

Possibly the key moment in the game now occurred as a Hellingly centre was binned for ten minutes.  Bryn Jones converted the ensuing penalty and thereafter Heathfield continued to spread their good possession wide with more home tries looking imminent.  However scores came at the other end as Hellingly seized on two perhaps telegraphed passes to score interception tries, one of which was converted, even though they were still a man short at the time.

With the score at 15-12 Hellingly now had their best period of the game as they spent long periods in the home team half.  Just before half time the visitors missed an easy penalty which would have tied the scores and the home supporters were looking uneasy.

Initially in the second half it looked as though Hellingly would continue to threaten but gradually the home team took control again.  Rob Lawrence stretched an arm out over the line but was adjudged to have made a second movement.  However Will Drinkwater soon scored an excellent try under the posts. Lee Vockins was now replaced by Nick Cherry and Richard Cooley gave way to the veteran and much appreciated Rob Streeter.

The home lineout and scrum had a good day generally and Heathfield had plentiful possession.  The best try of the day was now initiated by Eddie Armah who floated a delightful pass to Adam Tennant who made useful ground before putting Bryn Jones in. Then Damien Pestell matched his brother’s try following a quick tap and break by Nick Cherry and with Bryn Jones converting four out of the five tries the score was now a healthy 36-12.

Just as the home supporters were anticipating even more points Hellingly again burgled an interception and collected their third try.  Few observers could remember three interception tries in one game. However Heathfield were in no mood for further upsets and that was the final score in the game.

Report by Phil Bell

9/29/2007 11:21:31 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)