Sussex Rugby - Heathfield & Waldron RFC - Horsham 10 1sts Heathfield 12 1sts

	Saturday, March 03, 2007

Horsham 10 1sts Heathfield 12 1sts

Heath field travelled to Horsham expecting to face the Sussex division 1 leaders on their new and flat pitch. Having played a game against a select county back in September this beautiful new surface has hardly been touched. Sadly the recent weather put paid to te original plan so the game was played on the old first XV pitch with its steep gradient. Heath field however were really up for the game and, playing down the slope in the first half, put Horsham under constant pressure. Although Heath fielded a lighter pack than their opponents, they more than held their own in set pieces which allowed the forwards and in particular Rob Lawrence and Simon Wilson to carry the ball at pace and with great determination deep into Horsham’s somewhat fragile defence. While enjoying the advantage of the slope Heath field created a number of scoring chances but too often passes were spilled near the line and Horsham managed to keep their line in tact with some fine last ditch tackles. The Heath field supporters were fearful that the excellent start and fierce commitment shown by an inspired Greenies team would go unrewarded as half time approached. However late in the half the Heathfield forwards won good ball and moved the ball to the left inside the Horsham 22. As the move developed it became clear that Heath’s powerful prop Dan hunter Evans was positioned in the outside centre position and once the ball was secured in his safe hands it was clear that no defence was going to stop him and he scored his maiden try for Heathfield. This score lifted his team and inspired him to play his best game yet for his club.

Heathfield`s slender half tome lead of 5-0 did not seem anyway near enough and most people watching the hard fought contest expected the Home team and league leaders to dominate their opponents once they had the slope in their favour. Heathfield however had different ideas and playing up the steep hill tore into their larger opponents with controlled ferocity. Early in the half scrum half Lee Vokins was given a yellow card for picking the ballup in a ruck.While the referee’s decision was technically correct it seemed a little harsh as there were so many infringements from both sides throughout the game. However the match was a very clean one and played in good spirit by both sides and the ref generally kept good control. Within ten minutes Horsham capitalised on the advantage of the slope and a good supply of possession to level the scores with a well taken try. A short while later they scored another good try but to Heathfied`s relief they failed with both conversions. Just when it seemed the game was approaching the anticipated conclusion Heathfield raised their game and proved what a fit and gutsy unit they are.

Their pack held their own held in the tight with Hunter Evans Lawrence and Douglas performing heroic deeds of strength against a heavy scrum pushing downhill in the muddiest parts of the pitch. Whereas Lawrence’s throwing into the lineout was exemplary, Horsham’s Hooker frequently threw crooked and handed the initiative back to Heathfield.The greenies played the game at pace and continued to use their talented Backs. Whenever Horsham attempted to run the ball they were toppled by a well organised and courageous defence. As the game entered its final phase Heathfield players and supporters realised that, in spite of being one score adrift, they were in control of the game and insight of a memorable victory. Their opponents had little left to offer. At this point Heathfield scored one of their tries of the season which delighted their coach and their club. Forwards won a turnover, backs worked the ball into space, the excellent and elusive “Mono” Thewlis sidestepped through the mud and delivered to the outstanding Rob Lawrence who sprinted uphill to score under the posts. He wasted no time in placing the ball and converting himself. Heathfield were two points in the lead but there were some 12 minutes still to play and Horsham were still favourites to steal what had been a pulsating game. Almost immediately Heathfield were down to 14 men again when another yellow card was issued to Damien Pestell, one of the teams most robust and reliable defenders. But still Heath field tackled their hearts out and hung on until the ref blew the whistle just a tad early. Justice had been done, the best side on the day won and Heathfield`s revival gathers momentum. The coach and the entire squad deserve the highest praise. It was a day to remember For H&W RFC.

Report by Mike de St Croix

1st XV
3/3/2007 9:50:16 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)

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