History was repeated when Heath field defeated Crawley by a comfortable margin after the game was played with uncontested scrums for the last fifteen minutes. The illogical league rules indicate that the score should be recorded as 24-0 because that was the score when Crawley were unable to provide a second front row replacement having lost their hooker and one prop through injury. Last year the league rules committee instructed the game to be replayed after Heath field were short of replacements who could play in the front row. In view of the timing of the injuries and the score at the time of the injury to the prop it is anticipated that Heath field will be deemed winners at the adjusted score.

The home side dominated the game from first to last whistle with an awesome display by their pack who carried the ball forward at pace time and again with the back row and the highly mobile second row having storming games. Driving play by the forwards set up scores for wingers Tennant and Hole early in the game and Simon Wilson who along with Bruce Pestell had scattered the Crawley defence on numerous occasions, finished one of his surges by scoring a fine try to put the Greenies !9-0 up after twenty minutes. A further try by Damien Pestell who combined well with fellow centre Matt Skinner took the score to 24-o at half time and the game was in effect out of Crawley’s reach.

Heath field started the second half looking as though a cricket score was in the offing. However Crawley defended bravely and showed some skilful touches in mid field.. Heathfield`s pack had been on top for most of the game with Richard Cooley and Rob Lawrence combining to take several scrums against the head and Crawley`s inexperienced front row suffered their second injury with about fifteen minutes of play remaining.Crawley were then reduced to fourteen players when one of their forwards landed a crisp punch on the face of Heath Flanker Paul Flood who had only recently joined the game from the bench. Protesting his innocence in the incident Flood retired for medical treatment with a yellow card, apparently for retaliation while the Crawley player deservedly received a red card.

These diversions spoiled the rest of the game as a spectacle although new Greenies scrum half Will Christian combined well with hooker Rob Lawrence at the front of a lineout to produce a score in the corner.Crawley scored a consolation goal but never managed any parity with a very competent Heath field XV.

Heath field will be without Lee Vokins for the remainder of the season as he has decided to travel to Australia and New Zealand. Lee is an excellent club man and played his usual sound game. There was no weakness in the Heath field side. They ran strongly, tackled decisively and combined well. Due to the interruptions the game became disjointed but t under the guidance of Coach Dave Jones the team has given notice that they have every intention of enjoying a successful league campaign. They travel to Park house on Saturday and anyone requiring transport should contact the clubhouse.            

Report by Mike de St Croix

10/20/2007 5:17:41 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)