Sussex Rugby - Heathfield & Waldron RFC - Heathfield 1st's 24 Uckfield 1st's 7

	Saturday, December 02, 2006

Heathfield 1st's 24 Uckfield 1st's 7

This local Derby was keenly anticipated by a large crowd. Both sides are featuring near the top of the Sussex 1 league total and both clubs always regard this fixture as one of their key games of the season. The match did not disappoint. It was very much a game of two halves but in the end Heathfield scored four tries to Uckfield’s one and thoroughly deserved to win. Coach Dave Jones was delighted with his team and stated that the performance was the best all round effort of the season to date.

The game started with Heathfield losing prop Chris Watton in the first few minutes with a rib injury. The Heath forwards started strongly and only excellent defence by Uckfield prevented them from opening the scoring.Uckfield recovered from a shaky start to play some solid rugby and they were rewarded with the opening score, a well taken try from their influential No 8. This try was converted but well as Uckfield played in the first half, they could not subdue the powerful Heathfield pack especially in the rucks and mauls. The strong men of the Greenies back row Simon Wilson and Paul Flood had outstanding games and props Rory Burchett, who looked more mobile than in past seasons and Andre Douglas did a fine job in the tight often wheeling the Uckfield scrum to regain the put in. Young Mark Walker was majestic in the line out and as always made a telling contribution in the loose. Bruce Pestell continued his splendid run of form and Kobe Tonkin had his best game of the season. With another quality performance by Rob Lawrence and a vigorous cameo from Tom Pritchard when he came on for Bruce Pestell the Heathfield forwards were magnificent especially in the second half when they took the game by the scruff of the neck and set up Heathfield`s best win so far this season.

Shortly before half time Heathfield penetrated the Uckfield defence and good handling and passing by the backs saw Sam Thewlis scoring near the posts for Bryn Jones to make the conversion. At half time the scores were level at 7 points each.

The second half speaks for itself.Heathfield dominated all phases and in spite of some brave defending by Uckfield and good performances from their fly half and No 8 outscored their opponents by three tries to none. The tries by Bryn Jones, Sebastian Jones and Mike Hole were all scored as a result of good ball from the forwards and excellent finishing by a speedy and talented three-quarter line in which Sam Thewlis at full back showed what a huge asset he is to his side. He caught every kick put up to him; he handled a wet ball beautifully, scored a try and crossed the gain line with every run he made. It would be easy to heap further praise on the Heathfield players. The simple truth is they played well from 1 to 15, they played for each other and they followed the plan and instructions of a first class coach. With further improvements they could give the top two sides in the league a shock.

Report by Mike de St Croix

1st XV
12/2/2006 9:02:33 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)

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