Heathfield turned on a powerful display of all round excellence to overcome a spirited Pulborough team in front of a large crowd at Crawley last Sunday. They deserved to retain the Sussex Shield and in doing so proved why they are enjoying such a marvellous season.

Heathfield started slowly and against the early run of play Pulborough charged down a kick by Bryn Jones and followed up with speed to score half way out. The conversion was made and Pulborough were the first team to score a try against the Greenies since before Christmas. It was to be the only blemish on Heathfield defence in the match. The East Sussex side then rolled up their sleeves and began the process of achieving domination and putting together a number of good moves and tries. However their opponents competed strongly at the breakdown and gave an excellent display in the lineout where Walker and Tonkin struggled to gain the ascendancy. Sadly Andy Bates, the Pulborough hooker suffered a nasty eye injury early on and the black and whites lost a key and very experienced player. It was looking as though Heathfield might not overtake their opponents lead in the first half when the irrepressible Rob Lawrence put the Greenies on the score sheet when he drove over the line after some splendid driving play from the forwards. Soon after Matt Skinner broke strongly through a crowded mid field, fought off some robust challenges and ran to the right feeding Simon Wilson with a scoring pass. Regrettably Matt had been struck by a high and dangerous tackle in the process which resulted in a yellow card for Pulborough and a broken nose for Matt. However Matt recovered composure to make the conversion and put Heath ahead by 12-7 at half time.

There was inevitability about the way Heathfield overpowered their opponents in the second half scoring two further goals and two tries. The Greenies were stronger in all departments and importantly were a fitter team than their opponents. Their style of Rugby was very much to the pattern that has been put in place by their excellent coach Dave Jones over the past two seasons. Their very mobile pack was much quicker to the breakdown than their opponents who found difficulty in coping with the ball carrying skills of the front five as well as the loose forwards. Having set up rucks and mauls the Greenies were able to launch their speedy backs. The team play a fluid and entertaining brand of rugby and every member of the team and the squad rewarded their coach with a continual flow of attacking rugby. Two tries were scored by backs in the second half and two were scored by forwards. Damien Pestell used his power and strength to score soon after the restart and Sam Thewlis capped a sound and cultured display at full back by cutting through the heart of the Pulborough defence to put the result of the match beyond doubt at 33-7. Earlier the popular Mark Walker who had another splendid game had run in under the posts from around the 22 metre line. Appropriately Heathfields veteran prop Tim Evans sealed the victory for Heathfield by scoring a try in the corner after showing a turn of speed which would have delighted a teenager.

Heathfield thoroughly deserved their victory and the score line did not flatter them. Simon Wilson was deservedly named man of the match but this was a team victory and every member of the squad deserves huge credit.

The Greenies continue their quest for the league and cup double when they visit near neighbours Hellingly next Saturday, kick off at 2.30

Report by Mike de St Croix

Kobe Tonkin and Mark Walker

The Squad and the Shield

2/24/2008 11:06:45 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)