Sussex Rugby - Heathfield & Waldron RFC - Heathfield 1st XV 50 Plumpton 1st XV 5

	Saturday, October 21, 2006

Heathfield 1st XV 50 Plumpton 1st XV 5

Having lost their first three league matches by narrow margins, Heathfield hit top gear in front of a full house at Cross in Hand and played some scintillating rugby in windy conditions to defeat newly promoted Plumpton . Heath’s problem in their early games had been a lack of power up front which resulted in their fast and skilful backs lacking a platform to show their considerable talents. With the inclusion of extra weight in the front and second rows the Greenies backs, brilliantly led by skipper Bryn Jones, received good possession and ran in some superb tries. The three wingers used, Joe Riley, Levi Willis and Seb Jones scored two tries each and Bryn Jones scored one and kicked five conversions. Only the first try was scored by a forward which gives an indication of what a fast and open game the home side played.

Heathfield opened the scoring after just five minutes when Bruce Pestell broke loose inside Plumpton`s half. After one of his characteristic surges he received support from Jim Cumming who used his speed and strength to cross the try line. Before the crowd had time to catch their breath the forwards broke away again with Rob Lawrence linking with Dan Hunter-Evans who showed excellent running and handling skills before delivering a scoring pass to winger Joe Riley. Joe scored again a few minutes later after Damien Pestel made an opening to feed Sam Thewlis coming into the line. Once again the try hungry Riley finished with clinical precision.

Such is the strength of the Heathfield squad that Coach Dave Jones was able to introduce fresh players in the second half. The forwards continued to dominate their opponents and outplayed them at the breakdown and in the loose. Lee Vockins was an excellent link at scrum half and Bryn Jones was quite outstanding at No 10. His kicking was of the highest quality and, as is becoming customary, he scored another fine try. Seb Jones showed his speed and finishing capability by running in two tries under the posts and Levi Willis, who did not touch the ball in the first half delighted his considerable fan club by demolishing his opposite number to open his scoring account. The lead up to this score came from the backs, with Guy Woods and Damien Pestell prominent, moving the ball down the line in the sure knowledge that if Levi has only one man to brush aside a score is a formality.

Although the backs gave a splendid display of running and handling it is worth recording that two of the heavier Greeny forwards showed impressive power and skill in their ball carrying. Big Jim Cumming has delighted the Heathfield faithful for some years now and he had a fine match. But one of the most encouraging features of the afternoon was the performance of Dan Hunter-Evans who is learning the special skills of propping rapidly while showing us what a talented player he can be in open play. His running and handling skills for a big man are exceptional and there is no doubt that these two big fellows along with their forward colleagues contributed heartily to what was a terrific team performance. Providing Heathfield can win sufficient good ball in all phases there is no reason why they cannot feature amongst the leaders in Sussex 1.On Saturday they entertain old rivals Park House, one of the top teams in Kent Div 1 in the Powergen Vase. The kick off will be at2.30 at Cross in Hand.

Heathfield: Hunter-Evans, Lawrence, Burchett (Douglas), Cumming, Tonkin, Pritchard, B Pestell, Flood (Streeter), Vockins, B Jones, Willis, Woods, D Pestell, Riley (S Jones), Thewlis

Report by Mike de St Croix

1st XV
10/21/2006 2:02:18 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)

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