Sussex Rugby - Heathfield & Waldron RFC

	Saturday, April 12, 2008

Heathfield 17 Seaford 6

The final game of the season was played in front of one of the largest crowds ever assembled at Cross in Hand. The home club laid on hospitality for their sponsors and vice Presidents before the Greenies completed their league programme with a victory and a 100% record. Most of The clubs sponsors were represented including their main sponsors Wrightsure who have supported them for more than five years. Festivities began at midday with Heathfield`s league winning Boars team entertaining and defeating a reinforced Hellingly side and continued late into the evening after Sussex President elect Roger Edmondson had presented the Sussex Division 1 trophy. It was a day to remember for Heathfield and Waldron RFC.

The Greenies overcame a spirited Seaford side with an efficient display of rugby and yet again their opponents failed to cross the try line. Playing into a strong wind in the first half the home side went onto the attack and scored an early try thorough their top try scorer Rob Lawrence with a well practised catch and drive from a lineout near Seaford’s line. Seaford used the wind to gain some territorial advantage and responded with a penalty. Heathfield returned to the attack with Bryn Jones judging a cross kick to perfection for Matt Skinner to collect and make ground before feeding winger Seb Jones for the try. The wind was making place kicking difficult but Heathfield turned round at half time with a 12-6 lead.

Heathfield opened the scoring in the second half with a pushover try by their number 8 Simon Wilson. This score in effect sealed the win and Heathfield`s 100% record because after resisting the home side for long periods Seaford had a front row injury which resulted in uncontested scrum and then hit the self destruct button by having two players yellow carded inside five minutes. First a Seaford player committed a professional foul to prevent a certain Heathfield try and then the referee correctly gave a second yellow card for stamping. The match was put out of reach by an interception from George Leney who ran half the length of the field to score under the posts. The score did not really reflect the run of the game because although they did not look like crossing Heathfield`s line , Seaford played much good rugby . While the Greenies were not at their sharpest, they rewarded their coach and their supporters with a thoroughly competent performance. After the game they received the Sussex Division 1 cup and man of the match Mark “Kiwi” Walker was awarded a Greenies blazer in recognition of his outstanding play and sportsmanship during his two years with the club. All his friends at Heathfield wish him every success when we returns to New Zealand.

Report by Mike de St Croix