Sussex Rugby - Heathfield & Waldron RFC - Heathfield & Waldron 1st XV 27 Uckfield 1st XV 0

	Saturday, April 08, 2006

Heathfield & Waldron 1st XV 27 Uckfield 1st XV 0

Heathfield convincing winners in local derby

This local derby match was charged with nostalgia and tension before the game and there was a wonderful festival atmosphere at Cross in Hand for the final League match of the season. The occasion was blessed with fine weather and supporters of both clubs turned out in force to support their clubs.

For Heathfield their veteran skipper Rob Streeter was leading the Greenies for the last time and popular prop forward Lewis Marshall was also playing his last game before hanging up his boots. Strong running winger Levi Willis is also likely to have played his last 1^st XV league game for Heathfield whose supporters will remember his countless trademark big hits in defence as well as numerous important tries over the years. Uckfield were celebrating their first ever trophy victory,The Sussex Shield, and the start of their 40th birthday campaign. The Rugby lived up to the occasion especially as far as Heathfield was concerned and the loyal home fans were treated to the side’s best display of the season.

After surviving early pressure on their own line Heathfield gained good ball and Bryn Jones cleared upfield with a huge wind aided punt. Having established themselves in the Uckfield half Heath were rewarded with a penalty in mid field. Quick thinking by the excellent Lee Vockins from a tapped penalty saw the ball switched to big Jim Cumming who pinned back his ears and charged at great speed like an enraged Rhino in the direction of the try line. His determination was clear as was the fact that none could or wanted to stop him. His early try was crucial for his team and put Heathfield 5-0 ahead after 10 minutes.

Heathfield had started at a furious pace with forwards and backs combining and the pack having by far its best game of the season. Needless to say skipper Streeter was in the thick of all the action, leading by example and looking more like a skittish twenty year old than a founder club member playing his last game.

The Greenies continued to dominate in every phase and another evergreen youngster Lewis Marshall picked up near the Uckfield line and forced his way over near the posts. His team mates were delighted. Lewis is a great team and club man, quiet and gentle off the field but dynamic on it. He has served Heathfield superbly in the front row and he will be greatly missed. Surprisingly Bryn Jones missed the conversation but did convert another excellent forwards try by Bruce Pestell a few minutes later. Jones put Heathfield further ahead and into a twenty point lead with a well struck penalty just before half time.

As often happens the superior side on the day also enjoyed a fair degree of luck. Having enjoyed the wind behind them in the first half, Heath were delighted to notice a mellowing of the elements as the teams turned round so that they only faced a light breeze compared with the gale Uckfield had to counter in the first half.

Heathfield brought on their subs at half time and continued to tear into their opponents immediately after the restart. The Greenies were playing for their skipper, their coach and the pride of their club and there was never any doubt that they were going to win and win well. As Rugby people would say “on the day they wanted it more than their opponents".

Against some spirited defence by Uckfield the home side had to be patient to wait for the try that finally clinched Victory. When it did come it illustrated just how much Heathfield have improved in the past few weeks under the skilled and patient coaching of Dave Jones. Good fast second and third phase possession was secured by Heaths splendid pack and the ball was passed down the line. Unable to burst through the centre to create an overlap ,Guy Woods placed a deft and sweetly struck grubber kick right into the left hand corner, all Sam Thewlis had to do was follow up at speed and fall on the ball to seal a well deserved victory.

Heathfield’s best win of the season was very much a team performance with the entire squad shining on the day. The tackling was outstanding and the amount of turnover ball achieved was testament to the courage and fitness of Dave Jones’s squad. The play of younger players like Tom Pritchard and Matt Walker shows great promise for next season while Lee Vockins had his best all round performance for the club at scrum half. Damien Pestell and Bryn Jones again showed what powerful and skilful three-quarters they are while the experienced Guy Woods proved what a difference he makes to the side when he is injury free.

Two players stand out as players of the season. Both are back row forwards by choice. One is ending his 1st XV career and the other should be shining for the club for many years to come .Congratulations to Rob Streeter, who has given so much to Heathfield, and to Bruce Pestell who has played superbly in every league match. Congratulations also to Coach Dave Jones and to Director of Rugby Mark Hassall. This was a great day for the Greenies.

Coach Dave Jones commented after the game, “Saturday was an absolute delight for me and the players as it was just reward for the hard work the lads have put in this year. To see the whole Club enjoying a drink together Saturday was marvelous. The 'team' spirit is there and bodes well for next year. The performance itself, whilst still leaving plenty of room for improvement proved that the lads have bought into the way I want the game played and in particular, played with a smile on their face. My 'men' of the match.... every one of the squad of 18!!”

Heathfield; Marshall, Burchett (Marchant 40), Evans, Cumming, Streeter, B Pestell, Pritchard, Tonkin, Vockins, Jones, Willis (Walker 40), Woods, D Pestell, Hole (Riley 40), Thewlis