Ghosts from last season were well and truly laid to rest when a highly competent and well motivated Heath field team dominated their opponents from first whistle to last. The score line should have been more impressive as only one of Heath field’s six tries was converted. The Greenies dominated up front with some excellent work in the lineout from Mark Walker and Paul Flood and won all the ball at the turnover through the strength and skill of their loose forward trio. Simon Wilson and the indefatigable Flood were outstanding as was George Leney who has returned to the club after coming down from University. Credit must also be given to two Heath field players who have returned to the first XV after long recovery periods from injury. Centre Matt Skinner was influential in a number of Heath field’s tries and tackled superbly. He is a talented player and will strengthen the squad. Richard Cooley is technically the best prop in the club and it is really good to see him back in action after some unlucky injuries over the past few years.

Heath field started the game with some fast and direct running using their powerful forwards with Rob Lawrence in the van to drive deep into Pulborough territory. The home side defended bravely but could not resist the all round power and skill of the visitors. After sustained pressure inside the Pulborough territory Heathfields backs created space on the right for new man Adam Tennant to cross for the first of his three tries. Adam has made an impressive start for his new club and showed touches of skill throughout the game. Fellow newcomer Ed Armah was also most impressive on the other wing. Both players will score a number of tries during the coming season.

Splendid work by Heath field’s forwards in the line out resulted in Mark Walker sniffling a Pulborough throw to feed Rob Lawrence to score. Adam Tennant then crossed again to give the Greenies a deserved 15-0 half time lead.

One of the strengths of Heath field this season is the overall strength of their squad which showed with coach Dave Jones choice of substitutes in the second half. After an excellent showing Richard Cooley was replaced by the formidable Dan Hunter-Evans and Seb Jones came on for Will Drinkwater. The chariot rolled on and Heath showed what a force they will be this season. The forwards drove forward providing much good ball for an excellent set of backs. The Greenies tackling was ferocious and Pulborough were simply not allowed into the match. Further tries came from Tennant, Armah and skipper Bryn Jones who charged down a clearance kick to score. This was a fine team effort which delighted the usual enthusiastic team of supporters who travelled to Pulborough.

Heath field play Hellingly in their next league fixture on 29^th September  

Report by Mike de St Croix

9/15/2007 5:46:47 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)