Although this game did not produce a fast flowing rugby or many tries it was one of the closest and best games seen at Cross in Hand this season. Neither side was able to play much running rugby but the match was keenly contested by two powerful sets of forwards and two very solid defences. Heath field rarely concede more than the odd try in any of their matches and they thoroughly deserved this victory because they had marginally the better of the forward scrap and their magnificent defence denied Brighton the opportunity to score more than a solitary penalty goal.

It took a long time for either side to open the scoring but it was Brighton who did so late in the first half. By this time Brighton had set out their store with some good rucking and mauling.Heathfield were again superior in the tight thanks to their excellent front row with Richard Cooley on the tight head combining splendidly with hooker Rob Lawrence to take a number of scrums against the head. Simon Wilson’s return to the side at number 8 stabilised the greenies channelling and with George Leney having another excellent game the back row created may openings close to the breakdown. Soon after half time the Heath field forwards drove powerfully to the Brighton line for Rob Lawrence to score a try which was converted by Matt Skinner.Heathfield remained on top and mid way through the half scrum half Will Christian made a sniping run from good turnover possession. Shaking off a number of tackles he found big second row forward Kobe Tonkin in support and delivered a fine pass for Kobe to score an excellent try. The conversion was not made but Heath field had put themselves in a strong position and, hard as Brighton tried they were unable to threaten the home sides lead.

This was a fine game of tough and unrelenting rugby. Every side who play the league leaders are keen to be the ones to take their unbeaten record and Brighton looked one of the stronger sides in the league. However, well as they played, a solitary penalty was insufficient to match two well taken tries.

Heathfield continue their campaign when they play Crawley at home in the Semi-Final of the Sussex shield on 2^nd of February. They are therefore still in serious contention for a league and cup double but will receive a number of challenges from some good sides in the next few weeks.

Report by Mike de St Croix.

1/19/2008 12:07:53 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)