On Friday 17th April The Clubhouse will again be the venue for the next fantastic Quiz Nite.  Hosted by the Junior section of the Club, compared by the Dynamic Duo Helen Goacher and Alison Bending, pencils will need to be sharpened, thinking caps put firmly on and a rallying cry of 'oooohhhh I know this one' at the ready!

Everyone is welcome, the atmosphere is always electric with excitement and anticipation of not being on the bottom of the scoreboard!

To enter your team all you will need is 4-6 players, a silly name, a £20 note, and to notify either your Squad Manager, Helen or Alison.  See Easy!

SEE YOU THERE!!!

Forgotten Valentines Day is round the Corner????   Don't know what to get for your loved one?  Can't be bothered to trawl round the shops for that special gift???

Then luckily Your Club has come to the rescue.  Not only can you buy sexy tasteful lingerie, delightful jewellery and loads of other lovely things - but you can also have a pint (or two), see your mates, and whatever match is on the TV - whilst you buy!! BRILLIANT!(Rumour has it that Ann Summers will also be there!)  So lads come to the pamper evening at the Clubhouse on Friday 13th Feb - where all your Valentine present problems could be solved.........

For the lovely ladies who would like to come along.....  see all of the above plus there will be waxing and nails and even tarrot card readings!

See you there on the 13th February - 7.30pm onwards

Friday 30th January saw the clubhouse packed to overflowing for the Junior Quiz Night.  With 11 teams of 6 taking part the atmosphere was brilliant.  It was great to see teams from all age groups of the Junior Section of the club come together to make up this fantastic event. Over by the door there were the Beauties and the Beast (Mr. Wardle) ! who didn't put off the H3 Team and stuck over by the bar were the No Table Team - that's how busy it was!!

Despite the heckling from the bosterous crowd, the event was ably compared by Helen Goatcher and Alison Bending (they also put together the questions) and the evening was nicely rounded off with plates of chilli!

A great evening and over £200 made for the Club.  Thank you to everyone who took part to make the evening a success!

Heathfield traveled to Pulborough on Sunday and for the first time in weeks played on a large and very dry pitch, ideal for the running rugby.

Pulborough had a very good start however. Playing down the slight slope and with the wind, in the 1st half,  pinned the visitors in their own 22.  Releaving kicks by fly half Mike Abbott would not go far against the wind and Pulborough were able to maintain the field position. 

Five minutes into the game, from a lineout close to Heathfields line, Pulborough worked a clever move and scored. But to their credit Heathfield didn’t panic and resorted to some good driving play up field. The backs were  then used to good effect and gained more ground finishing close to the Home teams line before being bundled into touch.  From the ensuing Pulborough line out, the ball went straight over the back to the ever ready flanker Matt Halls. He sped through the large gap and dived over to tie the scores.

The rest of the half was basically a defensive one on Heathfields part, but Pulborough were beginning to tire having expended large amounts of energy trying  to keep the upper hand and the pressure had been comfortably dealt with.

It was a different story in the second half with good driving play by the Heathfield forwards, particularly captain Angus Taylor and prop Tom Watkins. Once quick ball was created, the ball was spun with Inside centre Leon Collen eventually getting on the end of a fine move to score under the posts, with Abbott converting.

Heathfields line out was securing some good quick possession from Fraser Rogers and Alex Scott and this ball was invaluable to the visitors and they used it to good effect

The 3rd try was the score of the match involving great interpassing between backs and forwards, with the wall being moved to the far left wing, being recyled and finally going down the backs again and wing Luke Hannah having far too much pace on his opposite number and he scored.  Abbott slotted the conversion beautifully from wide out.

The backs were having a field day now and Full back Jeremy Burdett got in on the action. He was involved twice in the move before the ball found scrum half Callum May to round off the game. Pulborough pulled a try back just before the end to make the score respectable but the half had belonged to the visitors.

All in all a very good performance by the Heathfield side just beginning to find its shape.

Heathfield arrived at Hove with only 12 players and so Hove started with 13 players as is agreed in league fixtures. But in the face of adversity, the Heathfield colt fights hard and so it was again on Sunday. The tackling in defence from the Heathfield side was immense and even with the one man advantage, Hove just could find a way through.

Chipchase commanding his forwards...

After 15 minutes the extra players arrived and Hove had still not gained the advantage. The longer the half went on, the more the belief grew in the Heathfield side and gradually the visitors pack began to dominate the Hove forwards.  A sterling and courageous display by captain Rhyss Evans lifted his team, especially in defence where on one occasion a Hove forward on full tilt, possibly 5-6 stone heavier than Evans was halted in tracks with a superb tackle. That was typical of the Heathfield display all match. Tackles were flying in particularly by scrum half Will Chipchase to help the Heathfield backs keep their speedier opposite numbers in check. It was therefore down to the Heathfield forwards to gain the upper hand. Following a penalty conceded by Hove, field position was obtained with a long kick to the corner and with a good lineout win, a try was scored by second row Angus Taylor. The conversion was beautifully slotted.  Hove replied towards the end of the half with a try skillfully created by their talented back division. But Heathfield had the final say of the half, again by direct driving by their pack, resulting in a good try by prop Oliver Hancock.

Oliver Hancock scoring

The second half was all Hove for the 1st 10 minutes as the home team fought to get the ascendancy but it was not to be their day. From a secured line out by Evans on his own 22, the Heathfield forwards began their 5 minute move, using driving mauls and pick and go’s. It finally resulted in the play coming to a halt on Hoves try line. The ball was recycled for probably the 20th time and flanker Robert Horsfall Turner flung out the pass to the unmarked left wing Marcus Wright who dived in at the corner. Although it was not the prettiest try ever scored by Heathfield, it was certainly one of the most technical and skillfull scored by that team in a long time.

The BIG drive upfield begins...

Hove were beaten and although they pulled a try back to make the score more respectable, the win had been earned by that piece of brilliance and the hard, aggressive and relentless defence by the Heathfield colts.

The team, and I jest not...

 
1/ Ollie Hancock
2/ Andy Godwin
3/ Pete Everall
4/ Angus Taylor
5/ Dylan Eames
6/ Tom Watkin
7/ Robert Horsfield Turner
8/ Freddie (Latest recruit)
9/ Will Chipchase
11/ Rhys Evans
10/ Jez Burdett
12/ Lloyd Pennell
13/ Campbell Lacey
14/ Chris Flockhart
15/ Alex Langton  

   
 
The Eagle Eyed amongst you will notice that the team to face Uckfield consisted of 12 forwards and 3 backs including 5 Front Row. How often has a squad wished they had 4 able Props available?

 
After coaches Wasp & Fish chucked the names in a hat and drew out their positions the big pre match talk was given. "Mistakes will be made, go out and enjoy yourselves and above all stay positive!"

The game started and mistakes were made. First part of game to plan then! But as for the other 2 bits, Bxxxxx Brilliant, our heads dropped and we got fed up. The first half was not a pretty sight and the experiment of 2 Second Rows in the Centre and Flankers on the Wing looked like a monumental Cock Up. The 35 minute mark came and Wasp & Fish were seen scribbling resignation notices with tears running down their faces.

At the turn round encouraging words and advice were given by the coaches and the boys set back out with all the confidence of our forefathers at the Somme. But something did change. The other 2 parts of the plan came into play. Heathfield started having a go. We took the game to Uckfield. We rucked and mauled as if we meant it. Continuity, yes continuity came into play and there were phases put together. Pick and goes, out to the backs (bit of a misnomer!), plus the odd mistake. The result of this was 3 tries to Heathfield. The first of these was scored by captain for the day and probably the pick for player of the day Gus from the bottom of a maul driven over the line from 5 metres out. Next was taken over the line with a monster drive from Ollie. The last one came from Lloyd in the centre. The one hitch was that in all this Uckfield had scored a couple more tries. Heathfield had their tails up, they were playing for each other and Uckfield were in trouble. Heathfield scored their last with 9 minutes of time to play. 5 Minutes later time was called and Uckfield ran out winners.

 
Back into the clubhouse for a drink some food and to revel in the memories of a match that turned out to be quite fun.

Last competion and it was Gus who rose to the challenge from the Uckfield Captain in a race to down a pint. It was a well fought contest and Gus was looking good and he moved into an early lead but soon Uckfield was pulled level. As they moved into the second half they could not be split. The Uckfield Captain made a spurt for the bottom of his glass but Gus stuck with him. The result a noble draw.

Sunday saw Heathfield Colts arriving en masse at Eastbourne with no less than 33 players with no support required from the U16s, no mean achievement at this age level.

First off was the development side led as always by Rhys Evans. Playing uphill Heathfield started in tentative fashion. Concentration was lacking and maybe some of the untried positionings unsettled the side. The result of this being the now customary 3 minute self destruct spell with tackles missed and players heads disappearing where the sun doesn't shine. Eastbourne 5 Heathfield 0.  Heathfield responded well and soon levelled the score when Lloyd Pennell on leave from the Army drove towards the line where he was stopped short. When the ball ran loose Will Chipchase was alert and finished the move. Eastbourne came back strongly and in the dying stages scored a second try. It had been a tightly fought half but Eastbourne had used their Joker (the considerable slope).

From the start of the second half Heathfield looked like they meant business, mixing driving forward play with inventive back play. Jez Burdett now on at Inside Centre got the ball from deep and went on one of several searing runs evading 4 tackles to lay it off to Greg Salmon who still had a bit to do speeding round the outside to score in the corner. Heathfield now level were moving up through the gears. Alex Langton was looking a danger every time he got the ball when he broke away from deep he was well supported by the forwards when stopped, before the ball was quickly recycled and a try scored. Eastbourne started pushing hard themselves and for 5 minutes camped out in the Heathfield 22 but Heathfield just wouldn't give in and tackle after tackle went in before the ball was passed out to Jez to kick clear. Next came a succession of penalties conceded by a now struggling Eastbourne. Andy Godwin took a tap and go and like a bull in a china shop drove through the Eastbourne defenders. 10 - 20. Eastbourne were awarded a lineout 5m from their line which they spilled Nick quickly spotted the opportunity and burst through to score. The now rampant Heathfield ran another final attack with a move that started well outside the Eastbourne 22. The ball was passed through too many hands to name and Gregs finished off under the posts. Jez closed the game with a successful conversion.

Eastbourne Dev 10 - Heathfield & Waldron Dev 32

This was a great result and keeps the Dev Team's 100% record. It was a performance of huge heart and graft. This is a team that plays for each other and is enjoying themselves in the process.

 
Next came the second course and the turn of the A teams with the visitors being led by Dan Hague. Heathfield boast a large number of county squad players and many others who are knocking at the door and this showed as possession was won and an array of ambitious moves were run. Eastbourne proved resilient and despite a lesser skill base fought hard and played in the faces of the Heathfield side. Giles Grainge and Jez looked dangerous when given the ball and ran exciting mazy runs. Leon Collen was like a battering ram and Mike Abbott fed endless supplies of ball to him which he used to great effect. There was one thing missing. Points! For all the rampaging pick and go's or great moves the last pass would not quite go or a penalty would be given away.

The deadlock was finally broken. A penalty on the Eastbourne 22 was given and Heathfield moved the ball across the pitch. At the breakdown the ball came back and Elliot Marshall broke, beat 2 players and scored the first against his old club. Mike converted. The teams turned at 0 - 7 a tense time for the supporters knowing that Heathfield now had to play uphill.

Through a combination of Eastbourne not exploiting the slope and Heathfield becoming more clinical Heathfield started to turn the screws. Continued pressure through a series of pick & gos led to Angus Taylor scoring in the right hand corner. The game continued to go Heathfield's way and they were awarded a penalty 15m out. Elliot took one of many tap penalties and moved the ball out to Giles who finished with pace in the top corner. 
Eastbourne 0 - Heathfield & Waldron 17.

Good to see the As winning. This is a team that when they get the continuity of playing a series of games together are going to be hugely difficult to beat.

 
Back to the club house to celebrate. There was a great buzz around the bar and looking around this was largely due to the large Heathfield contingent. 33 players and c20 supporters, coaches & managers. Pretty damned impressive!!!!    
 
By A Proud Coach

Heathfield RFC  Colts  [u17/u18]  17        Hastings & Bexhill Colts 5

The fixture was switched to Cross in Hand late Friday due to waterlogged pitches at Hastings.

Heathfield started brightly enough but struggled to dominate and with a side playing together for the first time, combined with players out of position, resulted in the home team struggling to put many phases of play together. All too often a pass would be dropped or an overlap missed.  However, there was no shortage of determination and courage as the tackles went in hard and players drove into contact aggressively. Unfortunately this resulted in Heathfields captain Ben Darcy having to leave the field as he was literally cut in half by two Hastings tacklers as he took a short pop in midfield.  Heathfield then scored mid way through the 1st half through some good hands resulting in Angus Taylor scoring wide out on the left. Dayle Hollands struck a beautiful dropped kick conversion to put his side 7 points up.

Hastings rallied and forced their way down the pitch mainly through their forwards grinding out the hard yards, which resulted in one of their large back row driving over. The conversion was missed and the half ended 7-5.

Heathfield raised their game in the second half. Tom Keylock switched from his unfamiliar position of scrum half to openside flanker and immediately had an effect. His tackling was ferocious and caused the Hastings half backs no end of problems.  The Heathfield backs started to get more possession and fly half Greg Salmon started to dictate the game.  This resulted in the ball traveling down the backs to Alex Langton on the wing, whose pace was too much for the visitors to handle and he scored wide out on the right. This score really lifted the home side who began to pressurize the wilting Hastings team. After a period of sustained play in Hastings 22, a clearance kick upfield was caught by Jeremy Burdett on the half way line. He set off and beat 4 would be tacklers then dummied the last man to score a classic try under the posts to round off a fine win.

A second beautiful Sunday on the trot saw Heathfield entertain Haywards Heath in the 2nd round of the league. For the second week on the trot Heathfield faced a bigger opposition but also a technically better team than last week.

It was a poor start by the home side who quickly let a rampant Haywards Heath run in a first unconverted try. The prospects weren't good. Heathfield looked disorganised and had missed tackles. But what happened next is already becoming a trade mark of this newly formed side. They got together and rebuilt their fortress defenso. The rest of the half was spent predominantly in the Haywards Heath half, this done through grit and determination and a converted try which had followed a long Heath attack was ground out and the teams turning round at 7 - 5.

The second half was another tough one but Heathfield scored again to make it 14 - 5. Haywards Heath were stung into action and brought the score back to 14 - 12 and the side line nerves were jangling, it looked like the tables were turning. BUT, Heathfield came back fighting and ended the game running in 2 tries to win 24 - 12. The delight on the players faces showed how much the victory meant to them. A win against Haywards Heath is something to be savoured.

The Cast

The Heavies                                                    
 1 Ollie (The Bull) Hancock - High work rate good comeback after illness. 80 very solid minutes.

2 Rob (Horsy) Horsfall-Turner - Hooked well, gave problems around the park throwing improved through the game.

3 Pete (The Grunt) Everall - Hard work throughout, carrying well, improving all the time.   

4 Alex (The Gazelle) Scott - Good in the lineout and quick around the park. Quietly effective.

5 Dylan (The Lighthouse) Eames - Proving to be a great asset all round unfortunate to go off injured.

6 Rhys (Do or Die) Evans Captain - Massive work rate for 80 minutes as always. Stole a lot of ball throughout. 

7 Tom (Mad Dog) Keylock - Man Of The Match. Big Runs, Big Hits, Big Steals & fantastic discipline when provoked.

8 Billie (I Thought I was a Prop) Hickson - First game at 8 a difficult ask in the set piece. Massive in the loose and great defenso.

The Pretty Boys

9  Will (Worked Up? Me?) Chipchase - Another good game, bossing well around the forwards.

10 Greg (What position Next? )Salmon - Still new to Fly Half and learning fast and starting to make things happen. Good game, more to come.

11 Seymore (New Kid On The Block) Surname to follow. - Good start, never easy to be thrown into a group you have not played with. Good prospect.

12 Jez (Jezzer) Burdett - Jez's all round game is getting better and better. Straightens up the game when needed. Lovely slights of hand.

13 Ollie (The Crunch) Stables - A good solid game from the U16. Gives us handling skills and strength.

14 Ben (Pippin) Cox - Much of the game injured but strong carrying. Will be even better when he believes in himself!!

15 Callum (Munch) May - Another player in a new position. Good game and did very well when moved to Scrum Half.
 
16 Frazer (Tiny Tim) Goacher - Another Big game from The Big Man. His scrummaging and carrying was immense.

17 Jack (Rabbit) Warren - Another of the U16s making an impact for the second week. Very unlucky not to score.

18 Ollie (Goldenboy) Goldsworthy - A brief cameo performance injecting pace and a good try.

19 Fraser (I Fell off the Beanstalk) Rogers - Came on for an injured Dylan to good effect always strong in the lineout. Big presence.
 
The Usual Hot Air and Bluster
Kiwi and Salmo

Sunday morning brought with it the delight of a lovely sunny day and a great way to kick off the new League Season. It was the first league and indeed any game for the Development side ably lead by captain Rhys Evans. Due to late pull outs the side started with 14 men and young Jack Warren on the side line recovering from the U15 match earlier.

A side that included several players in unaccustomed positions came out with 2 instructions. Firstly to be strong in defence and to get straight in the oppositions face and secondly to have fun with the ball in possession which is pretty much what we got.

From the kick off Heathfield were straight at it. Whenever Hastings had the audacity to take possession we were on to them with big tackles throughout. An early attack saw Ben Cox on the first of many runs on the wing burst through 3 tackles to score an unconverted try. The signs were good but then came Heathfield's worst spell and a lack of cover in defence partly due to playing with 14 men and partly due to poor organisation Hastings broke our defence and scored their only 5 points.

Heathfield soon got the show back on the road and a strong run from Tom Keylock, playing at Outside Centre and not his customary Hooker role, moved the ball To Billie Hickson to score and Gregory Salmon converted. By now Jack had come on at Full Back and the shape of the game had changed.

Half time came with the score at 12 - 5.

Sean the Kiwi rallied the troops and asked for more exploitation of the space that Hastings were leaving at the back.

As instructed Heathfield now started attacking more. Hastings were firmly locked in their own half when they hoofed out a big clearance which Will Chipchase caught cleanly. He stepped the oncoming chaser with all the grace of Darcy Bussell ran on and moved the ball to Greg and then down through Jez Burdett and Tom. The ball was then held up but Heathfield secured and moved the ball to Greg, who was now kicking with confidence, he pushed the ball through and towards the try line. The chase was on and Jack was too quick for the defence and touched down.

Another scrum was won on the halfway line and the ball was moved down the line. Jez took the ball up and in the most sublime "show & go" made 10 metres, moved the ball to Tom Keylock who beat 1 man and moved the ball to "pocket rocket" Peter "Mole" Grimwade who bull dozed his way through 2 men before being stopped.

Heathfield were now firmly in command and won a scrum 5 metres out. from the resulting maul Peter Everett won the ball and stormed over to score.

The pressure mounted and Hastings started to give away penalties in a desperate attempt to stop the Heathfield Juggernaut. A tap penalty was taken in the Hastings 22 and given to Sam " Chip" Holthan who charged through to score.

By now the team was feeling the strain after a long game at full pace in very warm conditions. Will was crawling around with cramp, Tom was putting in Oscar standard performances after being given some very close attention from the Hastings players.
The final whistle blew at 27 points to 5 a fantastic result. The Hastings pack were to say the least big and gave us a few problems but there were strong performances in the pack. Ross Kent was powerful and carried well. Alex Hope a revelation at Blindside, he was everywhere and made many crunching tackles. Rhys, ever the leader on and off the pitch worked tirelessly and often stole the ball. Alex Scott and Dillon never stopped and caused many problems in the lineout as well as carrying well. They look like a good pairing for the future.

This was not a faultless performance and mistakes were made in places with some occasional poor decisions but it was a display of 110% commitment and teamwork, great defence and all the signs that this is going to be a very exciting side with the ball. A group of boys that have not played together until today have built a platform which is going to produce great things this season.

Man of the match, a difficult call but Sean and I both voted Will Chipchase who played the best game I have seen him play, big tackling, good service and bossing the rucks and mauls.

 
Thanks go to Jack Warren for his support and a great performance.

The Cast

Players

Billie Hickson, Sam Holthan, Peter Everett, Alex Scott, Dillon, Rhys Evans, Alex Hope, Ross Kent, Will Chipchase, Gregory Salmon, Jez Burdett, Tom Keylock, Peter Grimwade, Ben Cox, Jack Warren.

Hot Air and Bluster - Kiwi

Heathfield took to the field this week knowing that they had to make a big change to their mediocre performance the previous week if they were to get any points from their first League game of the season against a well prepared Eastbourne side.

Eastbourne  drew first blood running through some weak Heathfield tackling to score. They were soon attacking again with their big powerful Full Back heading for the line only to be stopped by a massive tackle from the Heathfield 15, Baz Hunt. Eastbourne continued to push hard with their bigger forwards working several phases to take the score to 0 - 10.

Heathfield were now stung into action and late in the half were given a penalty. Sam Goacher punted the ball into the corner for a lineout. Heathfield playing advantage from an Eastbourne  infringement attacked the line for Matt Overy to touch down with Sam Goacher converting. Heathfield attacked again straight from the kick off to be given a penalty 15 metres out. The ball bounced back off the posts Eastbourne knocked on and the half ended.

A half time roasting from coach Rob Lawrence focused the minds and a very different Heathfield set about Eastbourne with a new intensity. Heathfield soon won the ball and Ross Riley ran all the way from the Eastbourne 10m to score under the posts with Sam converting.

Heathfield are soon awarded a penalty on the Eastbourne 5m line. Matt Overy crashes the ball up to the Eastbourne defenders and knocks the ball on over the line. Eastbourne heal the resulting scrum but the ball comes out loose for the ever alert Lee Keylock to steal and score.

Heathfield continued to pile on the pressure for the next 10 minutes but were unable to add any more points. Eastbourne finished strongly and playing in the Heathfield half but the home sides determination held. One scrum 5 minutes from time showed Heathfield's new found grit.  Eastbourne  were awarded a scrum 15m out. Heathfield who had been pushed for much of the match by a bigger Eastbourne pack launched a massive 8 man shove and drove Eastbourne off the ball.    

Our Colts are now training twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1900 to 2100 approx.  New players are extremely welcome.

We have a squad of about thirty five (with two new recruits last week) and over twenty are regularly attending training which, given that it is holiday season is pretty good. We are aiming for a squad of over forty if possible so that we can run two teams on a Sunday so everybody gets matches.

For further information please contact:

Sasha Hunt (Manager)

sasha@sashahunt.co.uk   07831 446146

or

Chris Salmon (Head Coach)

nuthatchcottage@aol.com   07795 552112

1st October

Hastings Cup

22nd October

Bognor (h)

29th October

Edenbridge (a)

5th November

Hove (a)

12th November

Heathfield v Eastbourne (league)

3rd December

Heathfield v East Grinstead (league)

17th December

Uckfield v Heathfield (league)

7th January 2007

Eastbourne (a) 1200

21st January

Hastings & Bexhill v Heathfield (league)

28th January

Pulborough (a)

4th February

Edenbridge (h)

18th February

Heathfield v Lewes (league)

11th March

Hove (a)

18th March

Hastings (h)

25th March

Rye U17's (h)

1st April

Bognor (h)

2nd West League v 1st East League (league)

2nd East League v 1st West League (league)

15th April

Finals (league)

22nd April

Pulborough (h)

Please send any  items for inclusion on the coming season, training times, contact information etc to nick.green@hwrfc.co.uk