Sussex Rugby - Heathfield & Waldron RFC - Sandown & Shanklin 1st XV 17 Heathfield & Waldron 1st XV 19

	Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Sandown & Shanklin 1st XV 17 Heathfield & Waldron 1st XV 19

A visit to the Isle of Wight to play last seasons Hampshire Division one champions represented a major challenge to Heathfield's exciting young side.

The Greenies were well up for the game and camped near the home side’s line for most of the first quarter of the match. Robust play by Heathfield’s small but mobile pack created a number of scoring opportunities which were not converted into points.

A penalty near the posts was missed but just before the end of the first period Greenies won good second phase ball and their backs moved the ball swiftly down the line before Damien Pestell passed inside for his brother Bruce to open the scoring.

A strong wind and a very dry ground made conditions difficult and both sides found the going hard on a very warm September afternoon. In the second quarter with the wind behind them the Hurricanes soon kicked skillfully to the corners and were soon rewarded with a try by one of their powerful flankers. Having tackled ferociously up to this point Heath let themselves down with some sloppy tackling and this try should have been prevented.

However Heathfield soon hit back with what may turn out to be one of the tries of the season. Bryn Jones produced the perfect restart kick whichhanged in the air against the wind, Bruce Pestell following the kick at speed plucked the ball out of the air and charged forward at speed. His speed and the timing of his catch allowed him to pass some would be tacklers and he reached the opposition 22 still on his feet and in possession. To his great credit he then took the decision that he did not need to share his moment of glory with any of his colleagues and continued his forward charge barging a few of his remaining adversaries out of his way. He reached the try line looking as though he could have managed a few extra yards! It was a sensational try, much appreciated by his teammates and the posse of Heathfield supporters on the touchline.

Sandown again responded by scoring two good tries. Their powerful pack started to dominate and only a brave and skilful display by man of the match Paul Flood at no 8 for Heathfield prevented the home side from overwhelming the Greenies eight. At the start of the final quarter Sandown let 17 points to twelve. But Heath were probably the fitter and more resilient side and to their great credit they managed a try in the dieing seconds which Joe Riley converted with great aplomb from halfway out and against the strong wind.

Heathfield deserved their two point win against a very competent and motivated side from a higher division. They won because they played as a team with great commitment. Every player from newboy and recent colt Sam Pearce to skipper Bryn Jones played their part. The two debutant forwards who know their way around the pitch Rob Lawrence and Mark Walker played their hearts out for Heathfield and were immense in everything they did as were the back row and all the threequarters. It was a great away day on the Island and a splendid start to the season.

Report by: Mike de St Croix

1st XV
9/12/2006 10:15:23 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)

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