Sussex Rugby - Heathfield & Waldron RFC - Heathfield 1st XV 36 Seaford 0

	Saturday, January 06, 2007

Heathfield 1st XV 36 Seaford 0

This home win was every bit as comprehensive as the scoreline suggests.On a day when many matches were postponed because of waterlogged pitches, Heathfield`s superbly drained ground and an outstanding performance from one of Sussex`s best and most experienced referees allowed both teams to overcome dreadful conditions and the home side to give a remarkable display of fast and skilful rugby to the delight of a large and enthusiastic crowd.

Although they defended bravely in the first half, Seaford failed to get into their opponents 22 for much of the game. The Heathfield forwards, for whom Tom Pritchard had a fine game on his return to the side, dominated in all phases often pushing Seaford off the ball in the tight and frequently winning turnovers on the ground. The whole pack played superbly and supplied their backs with a monopoly of possession. For much of the first half Heathfield attempted to score tries through their superior forward strength but Seaford, to their credit kept the score sheet clean. However as soon as The Greenies decided to attack from deep and use the skill of their outsides the flood gates opened. With ten minutes of the break Bryn Jones received good ball from second phase and set up Damien Pestell for a powerful run into the Seaford 22. Pestell delivered a beautifully timed pass to Sam Thewlis playing at outside centre who completed the move to open the scoring. Within minutes the same players set up Mike Hole to score his first try which was converted to put Heathfield ahead 12-0 at half time.

The second half began with Joe Reilly off the field with a knee injury and with Seaford reduced to 14 men as a result of a red card given to one of their forwards after an indiscretion in full view of the referee. Aided by the loss of a Seaford player the home team stepped up a gear and exposed their opponents weaknesses with clinical efficiency. Coach Dave Jones moved Will Drinkwater, who is equally capable in either half back position or at full back, to no 15 which allowed him to bring on debutant Nick Cherry at no 9. Nick settled in well and quickly, linking well with his backs and snapping at the heels of his forwards. He chose his options well and impressed with his speed of thought and distribution. He capped a most promising debut with a well taken try.

Heath field played quite superbly against the elements in the second half keeping the ball in hand and running excellent lines. The try scorers were Sam Thewlis with his second, the ebullient Rob Lawrence who continues to be an inspiring player for Heath field, and Mike Hole who rounded off a splendid afternoon by running in from the 10 metre line.

Heathfield`s was a performance to delight their coach and their supporters. The pack was at its most commanding thus far and the talented backs played with great panache, clearly enjoying the possession they received throughout the game.

Report by Mike de St Croix

1st XV
1/6/2007 5:47:46 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)

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