Despite appalling weather conditions a large crowd gathered at Cross in Hand to watch the Heathfield and Waldron Under 13s take on local rivals Hellingly in the first League encounter of the season.

All the hard work in training started to pay off as Heathfield took control of the game from the first whistle. Much of the first quarter was spent on the Hellingly 22 metre line

but despite creating numerous chances they could not turn them into points. Eventually the breakthrough came when the Heathfield pack drove for the line with some very dynamic rucking from the two Sams, Keylock and Saunters which forced an infringement from Hellingly. Full Back Matthew Barber stepped up and coolly slotted the penalty.

This lifted the Heathfield spirits and forwards and backs enjoyed a spell of territory and possession during which they played some of their best rugby of the season so far. Half back pairing Ollie Kent and David Bayly combined well and provided an excellent platform for the centres to attack with both Andrew Horsfall-Turner and captain Toby Warren making some strong and very direct runs through the Hellingly defence it looked like only a matter of time before one of them would score.

Yet Heathfield seemed to make hard work of it and as much as the forwards dominated they held onto the ball just a little too long and the final scoring pass eluded them. Relief came on the stroke of half time when a quick ball from the base of the scrum allowed fly half  David Bayly to run one of the club moves, dummying to his inside centre and executing a well timed switch with Toby Warren who burst straight through three tackles to score in the corner. Barber added the conversion from a tight angle and as the teams turned round for the second half Heathfield started to relax a little and play a more controlled game.

Hellingly came back strongly in the opening stages of the second half and their front five made some strong surges through the middle of the pitch which Heathfield did well to contain. The home side were clearly very determined not to let their opponents back into it and the backs in particular showed maturity as they handled the ball extremely well in the wet conditions. Full back Barber showed how to turn defence into attack as he cleanly took a high ball in his own half and opened up the play by cutting through the Helljngly midfield with a jinking run which stopped just short of the try line. In the ruck which followed powerhouse prop Bruno Halit was unstoppable as he took a quick pop pass and smashed through from five metres out. Barber again converted to create an unassailable lead.

In the closing stages it looked as though the floodgates would open as the Heathfield backs created numerous chances but to their immense credit Hellingly kept going and tackled their hearts out right to the final whistle.. Flanker George Wardle almost crowned an excellent performance with a try but the referee judged  a double movement in grounding the ball on the line.

All round an excellent first league win with particularly fine performances from newcomers Daniel Halls and Oscar Lacey and a welcome return to the fold for Ben Smith. The man of the match award went to Matthew Barber for his all round game and excellent kicking display in the difficult conditions.

Report by Mike Barber

10/22/2006 8:45:04 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)     

Next weekend two of our sides are in Cup action.

The 1st XV are home to Park House in the National Powergen Vase and the Boars are playing  St Francis 2nd XV in the quarter-final of the Sussex Shield.

Hopefully there will be good cause to celebrate in the bar afterwards!

10/22/2006 8:41:11 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)     

Having lost their first three league matches by narrow margins, Heathfield hit top gear in front of a full house at Cross in Hand and played some scintillating rugby in windy conditions to defeat newly promoted Plumpton . Heath’s problem in their early games had been a lack of power up front which resulted in their fast and skilful backs lacking a platform to show their considerable talents. With the inclusion of extra weight in the front and second rows the Greenies backs, brilliantly led by skipper Bryn Jones, received good possession and ran in some superb tries. The three wingers used, Joe Riley, Levi Willis and Seb Jones scored two tries each and Bryn Jones scored one and kicked five conversions. Only the first try was scored by a forward which gives an indication of what a fast and open game the home side played.

Heathfield opened the scoring after just five minutes when Bruce Pestell broke loose inside Plumpton`s half. After one of his characteristic surges he received support from Jim Cumming who used his speed and strength to cross the try line. Before the crowd had time to catch their breath the forwards broke away again with Rob Lawrence linking with Dan Hunter-Evans who showed excellent running and handling skills before delivering a scoring pass to winger Joe Riley. Joe scored again a few minutes later after Damien Pestel made an opening to feed Sam Thewlis coming into the line. Once again the try hungry Riley finished with clinical precision.

Such is the strength of the Heathfield squad that Coach Dave Jones was able to introduce fresh players in the second half. The forwards continued to dominate their opponents and outplayed them at the breakdown and in the loose. Lee Vockins was an excellent link at scrum half and Bryn Jones was quite outstanding at No 10. His kicking was of the highest quality and, as is becoming customary, he scored another fine try. Seb Jones showed his speed and finishing capability by running in two tries under the posts and Levi Willis, who did not touch the ball in the first half delighted his considerable fan club by demolishing his opposite number to open his scoring account. The lead up to this score came from the backs, with Guy Woods and Damien Pestell prominent, moving the ball down the line in the sure knowledge that if Levi has only one man to brush aside a score is a formality.

Although the backs gave a splendid display of running and handling it is worth recording that two of the heavier Greeny forwards showed impressive power and skill in their ball carrying. Big Jim Cumming has delighted the Heathfield faithful for some years now and he had a fine match. But one of the most encouraging features of the afternoon was the performance of Dan Hunter-Evans who is learning the special skills of propping rapidly while showing us what a talented player he can be in open play. His running and handling skills for a big man are exceptional and there is no doubt that these two big fellows along with their forward colleagues contributed heartily to what was a terrific team performance. Providing Heathfield can win sufficient good ball in all phases there is no reason why they cannot feature amongst the leaders in Sussex 1.On Saturday they entertain old rivals Park House, one of the top teams in Kent Div 1 in the Powergen Vase. The kick off will be at2.30 at Cross in Hand.

Heathfield: Hunter-Evans, Lawrence, Burchett (Douglas), Cumming, Tonkin, Pritchard, B Pestell, Flood (Streeter), Vockins, B Jones, Willis, Woods, D Pestell, Riley (S Jones), Thewlis

Report by Mike de St Croix

10/21/2006 2:02:18 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)     

The Boars went into this match with a team much altered from the previous two weeks but with confidence high. The Boars are trying to increase the numbers of players available and this seems to be working as 22 players assembled including 3 trialists in John Parsons, Gavin Robinson and Rob Such. John Parsons confessed to having been a Crowborough player in the past but the Boars promised to protect him.

Another sun splashed kick-off saw Heathfield start well and begin to dominate the scrums and at the breakdown. The lineouts were another matter due to an inconsistent delivery by Heathfield and excellent jumping by the Crowborough number 7.

This platform led to four unanswered first half Heathfield tries. The first well taken by Brady Burdett who went right, Hesketh offered an option inside and Mike Barber another outside and as happened so often in the past Burdett sold the dummy and went straight through the middle.

Heathfield’s next try was made in the forwards. At a scrum 15 metres out stalwart props MacLeod and Geesin provided the platform for number 8 Ben Taylor to drive off the base of the scrum and beat the covering defence to score. Lewis converted to take the score to 12-0. The third try was a solo effort from Mike Barber as he burst past his opposite number around the 22 metre line and ran through the Crowborough full back to score. Lewis also converted this to take the score to 19-0.

The final try of the half was vintage Burdett as a flamboyant Brady sold 3 dummies, one after another as he virtually ambled through the midfield. His fellow Boars take plenty of credit for offering the options that allowed him to circumnavigate the Crows defence.

So the whistle blew for half time with the score at 24-0 and the Boars seemed to relax and consider the match won. Not so! Crowborough came out full of fight and for 20 minutes dominated the match in all phases scoring two tries in the process and converting one of these. At 24-12 there was a palpable nervousness about the Boars as they fended off several bouts of Crowborough pressure.

Then the pendulum swung back towards Heathfield. The Boars scrum started to function again as debutant prop (ex hooker) Andy Sutton found the measure of his opposite number. This platform helped calmed the nerves and these were banished after a flowing move led to a try. The Boars scrum pushed Crowborough off their own ball and passed left through hands to debutant centre Rob Such. Such thought about going for glory himself but sensibly drew the tackle and offloaded to winger Simon Hollingdale who went over to score. The final score of the match came when Burdett drew the Crowborough defence too him and actually passed (rather than dummied) to a triumphant Mike Barber who had a relatively simple task of sprinting 10 metres to score.

Man of the match for the Boars was close between Mike Barber, Brady Burdett and Tony Rose. The award went to Mike Barber as it was his first game for the team this season. Barber also won the ‘drink off’ when the Crowborough man of the match showed he was Jelly by name and jelly by nature when he baulked at the pickled egg.

Boars Team – Mike MacLeod, Jason La Roche, Joe Geesin (Andy Sutton – 50), John Parsons, Tony Rose, Simon Walker (Ben O’Neil -50), Kenny Lewis, Ben Taylor (Gavin Robinson – 60), Dick Chapman, Brady Burdett, Duncan Hesketh (Adam Farrrell – 50), Mike Barber, Simon Hollingdale, Keith Davies (Rob Such -40), Dave Rhodes, Unused Subs -Paul Hookway, Guy Ellery.

Report by Mike MacLeod

10/14/2006 10:47:57 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)     

A missed opportunity.

On a dry, fine day with a variable breeze, both teams started this game without a win in the league this year and both demonstrated a lack of confidence in their play.

Unusually the first half was scoreless and it was during this period that Heathfield should have scored several times.  East Grinstead were only able to break out of their own half for one short passage of play following a big kick out of defence.  For the rest of the time Heathfield were camped in the right part of the pitch and they had several opportunities but always came up just short of the line or, on the most glaring occasion, managed to spurn a three man overlap.  While giving credit to East Grinstead for their defensive qualities, Heathfield are suffering from what some describe as ‘tryline fever’.

Initially lineouts were relatively even: quick short ball at the front worked well for Heathfield with Rob Lawrence being caught close to the line on one occasion.  The scrummage was under some pressure and Paul Flood did remarkably well in tidying up difficult situations at the base of the scrum as well as having an excellent combative game in the loose.  Jim Cumming, Rob Lawrence and Damien Pestell all caught the eye making good ground.

The second half started brightly again for Heathfield with Seb Jones being bundled into touch in the corner.  However a few minutes later the East Grinstead three-quarters worked a move in the centre and scored in the left-hand corner, although missing the conversion.  This allowed East Grinstead to build in confidence: they had a period of pressure without really threatening the line and gradually Heathfield worked their way back down the pitch for Bryn Jones to work a bit of individual magic and score by the posts.  For some reason the kicking tee could not be found but Jo Reilly coolly dropped the goal (this is the same Jo Riley from previous reports – apologies for the earlier mis-spelling) to make it 5-7.

With twenty minutes to go it was anyone’s game and neither set of supporters could feel confident.  The Heathfield lineout was misfiring and the scrummage was under more pressure but in the loose the green shirts were still doing well.  The ref now had to speak to the captains to cool tempers but it was not a dirty game generally.  Mike Hole came for Guy Woods in the centre and made a couple of excellent tackles.  Birthday boy Levi Willis also made a cameo appearance in the second-row.

In the last few minutes Heathfield could have played more conservatively in order to run down the clock.  Neither side was looking very likely to score when well into stoppage time Heathfield conceded a penalty some thirty yards out.   This was the only penalty kicked at goal all day but the East Grinstead kicker made no mistake with the last kick of the game.  The home team and supporters were delighted and relieved while Heathfield could only rue the missed opportunity.

Report by: Phil Bell

10/14/2006 1:15:56 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)     

April 2006

£50 - Steve Sherlock

£25 - Mike Brown

£10 - Rob Streeter

May 2006

£50 – Julian Wates

£25 – Chris Goddard

£10 – God

June 2006

£50 – Dave Cooley

 

£25 – Paul Wilson

 

£10 – Mike de St Croix

 

 

July 2006

 

 

£50 – Dave Rhodes

 

£25 – Tony Flint

 

£10 – Peter Mercer

 

 

August 2006

 

 

£50 – Paul Jarvis

 

£25 – Dave Rhodes

 

£10 – Paul Hookway

 

 

September 2006

 

 

£50 – B. Burdett

 

£25 – Bob Wood

 

£10 – Ben Taylor

 

 

Please see Dave Crowe behind the bar for your winnings.

 

To join the 50 Club please contact Geoff Green via gjr.green@virgin.net

 

50 Club
10/12/2006 3:47:07 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)     

The Boars fielded a strong side in this Sussex Salver round 2 match Julian Wates and Rory Burchett were added to the squad that beat Eastbourne 4’s the previous week. With a place in the quarter finals at stake (against the better of Shoreham 2’s or St Francis 2’s) it was anticipated that Hastings would be tough opponents.

The game kicked off in glorious sunshine and both teams showed positive intent with some good early backs moves. The initial set piece plays were keenly fought and went with the put in. A break on the Heathfield right looked dangerous as Adam Farrell chipped over his opposite number and advanced on the ball as it bounced about 10 metres out. About this time the Hastings full back collected the ball and it was clearly ‘game on’ as he beat Farrell for pace and took the ball back to the halfway line before being brought down. Time for plan B and the Boars forwards to seek control.

The Boars resolved to ‘pick and drive’ for a few phases before spinning it wide and this proved to be a very successful strategy leading to the first try after about 15 minutes. Two or three phases of play found the Boars 15 metres out in a central position and quick ball to Jim Cumming saw him break a couple of tackles to score between the posts. Guy Ellery slotted over the conversion to take the score to 7-0.

At this point in the game the Boars forwards began to get the better of their opponents in the set pieces. Hooker Jason La Roche started to win the Hastings put in or at least slow the Hastings possession down and Tony Rose began to win his battle in the line out. This often led to good field position and from one such set piece on the Hastings 22 converted scrum half Jack Bailey sprinted round a flat footed defence to score an unconverted try.

Heathfield were beginning to feel confident at this point but within 5 minutes Hastings reminded them that the game was by no means over. Hastings scored when the Heathfield backs scorned a chance to kick and clear their 22 metre line and instead decided to run it out. A pass went astray and the first to the loose ball was a Hastings centre who out paced the cover to score an unconverted try. The game was back on and many felt that the next score would be an important one.

The Boars forwards continued to give their backs room to work in by their driving play sucking in defenders. During one such passage of play 22 metres out a Hastings player gave away a penalty and the ref allowed Jack Bailey a quick tap and Jack was nimble and Jack was quick enough to score between the posts and allow Guy Ellery another successful conversion attempt. Even though half time was approaching the Boars had time to add another try through Jim Cumming who was so keen to meet his pre match promise of 3 tries that he popped up in the ‘outside’ outside centre position to crash over to take the score to 24-5 at half time.

The second half resumed in the same competitive fashion and Hastings tried to free their speedy backs by passing wide as fast as possible. This had limited success mainly due to the dominance of the Heathfield pack in the set pieces and the tireless work of Mike Brown in the loose play. This platform allowed Joe Henry to score his second try in two games when several phases of forward play was topped off with the backs passing the ball quickly out left to beat a stretched defence.

Hastings to their great credit never stopped trying and took advantage of some slack defending at a penalty to score, via their captain Paul Begg, a converted try. At 27-12 was this the start of a comeback?

Heathfield hit back with a candidate for try of the season when the ball was collected on their own 10 metre line recycled 6 or 7 times, gaining ground each time, before that man Jack Bailey took it the last few metres for a really beautiful score that seemed to seal the match. There was time for one final try when the Boars ran a ball from their 10 metre line and took it to the Hastings 10 metre line where Jack Bailey took a pass and ran a lovely line that took him through the centres before he stood the fullback up and just had the legs to take it over the try line. A missed conversion and 2 minutes of play were all there was left before a fine 39-12 victory could be celebrated.

Man of the match for the Boars was close between Mike Brown, Jim Cummings and Jack Bailey. The award went to Jack Bailey due to his all round performance (the 4 tries were just icing on the cake). The Boars also won the ‘man of the match’ drinking race but only just as the Boars habit of adding a pickled egg to the pint did not suit either contestant. Indeed Jack looked keen to return his egg to the outside world shortly after eating it.

Boars Team – Mike MacLeod (Andy Sutton – 78), Jason La Roche, Rory Burchett (Joe Geesin – 60), Ben Taylor, Tony Rose, Ian Schleider (Bob Togher – 45), Mike Brown, Jim Cumming, Jack Bailey, Brady Burdett (Mark Hassall – 65), Julian Wates, Duncan Hesketh, Adam Farrrell (Simon Hollingdale – 25), Joe Henry, Guy Ellery (Levi Willis – 60)

Report by Mike MacLeod

Henry tackles...

Is that Hassall?...

Levi? on the attack...

A successful lineout to Jack

10/7/2006 9:40:52 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)     

For the second successive Saturday Heath field lost narrowly to a side who were stronger on the day. The match at Cross in Hand attracted a large crowd of loyal supporters but  unfortunately the visiting team dominated much of the game through a powerful pack and a good three-quarter line served by a very competent pair of half backs. The game was disappointing as a spectacle because it was punctuated throughout by stoppages and a string of penalties some for rather petty offences. Sadly it appeared there was little empathy between the referee and the players and so periods of good and flowing rugby were rare. Players and spectators left the match with puzzled expressions.

Horsham were well worth their win. Their forwards excelled at the rolling maul and never allowed the talented Heathfield backs to get into their stride. The ball which the home side did win was slow and poorly controlled. Apart from an improved lineout in which Mark Walker excelled, the Heathfied pack was outplayed. However they never stopped trying to match their opponents and defended manfully especially at the breakdown where Bruce Pestel and Paul Flood gave strong performances. The Heath field backs always looked as though they might steal the game and Guy Woods, playing his first game of the season, tackled in his usual robust manner and showed what an asset he will be when he remains to full fitness.

Horsham scored first through a penalty after sustained pressure in the opening minutes. Heath field responded immediately with a brilliant solo try from their skipper Bryn Jones.

After a tap penalty Bryn broke to the blind side, put in a perfectly weighted chip kick which he caught and then he used his speed and strength to go over for a superb try. Heath field continued to apply pressure and were rewarded by a Joe Riley penalty. Almost immediately Horsham regained the lead with a good try by their back line when the home tackling was found wanting. At half time Heath field were only just in arrears at 8-10 but Horsham scored again early in the second half and continued to use their powerful forwards to maintain territorial advantage over their hosts.Heathfield did manage another score through their forwards when the pack drove Paul Flood over for a try which gave the home side a chance to snatch victory late in the match. However the whistle and more stoppages and penalties enabled Horsham to hang onto their narrow advantage.

This was a disappointing game for the Greenies. They will need to bolster their forward play and make sure not to concede so many penalties if they are to challenge for a high spot in the league.

Report by Mike de St Croix

9/30/2006 5:02:11 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)     

Having lost heavily to Seaford in the first league match of the season the Boars were determined to win their second league match and overcome table topping Eastbourne 4’s. The Boars were boosted by the return of several key players and on paper looked a strong side.

The first 10 minutes of the game were pretty even with both teams testing the other out. Eastbourne had the better of the set piece plays while Heathfield looked more fluent in the open phases. The first score came from a period of sustained pressure and the Boars recycled well through 5 or 6 phases of play probing both left and right before Jim Cummings took a pop pass at speed and broke through on the left to score.

This seemed to inspire Heathfield as they put together a good sustained passage of play spoilt only by the number of penalties committed by Eastbourne as they tried to slow the game down to a pace they could compete with. From one of these decisions Kenny Lewis slotted over his first penalty kick of the season to take the score to 0-8 to the Boars.

Eastbourne continued to pressure on the set pieces with the Boars only winning one in two of their own scrums and lineouts. Even under this pressure Jack Bailey (playing in an unfamiliar role as scrum half) kept his backs in the game and the mobility of the Boars pack continued to cause trouble for Eastbourne. With 30 minutes gone Heathfield gained good field position and recycled the ball in a central position 15 metres out. Brady Burdett offered his Sussex renowned dummy (there may be problems with a ‘sell by date’ infringement if health and safety ever look at it) and ghosted into a gap and through for a score. This took the game to a very satisfactory 0-13 at half time.

The Heathfield players had warned each other that the game was not yet won and Eastbourne proved this immediately from the restart. Eastbourne had clearly decided that their best hope would come via their bigger forwards playing a tight game a physically dominating the Boars. Eastbourne hammered at the Heathfield line for a good 5 minutes with Kenny Lewis stopping a try by getting under the ball as the Eastbourne player tried to ground the ball over the try line. Sadly Heathfield did not defend the resultant scrum very well and were pushed back over the line and the Eastbourne number 8 scored.

At 5-13 the game was back in the melting pot. Every score is important but many felt that the next score might be crucial. But there was plenty of drama to come before the next score. As the Boars made ground towards the Eastbourne 22 metre line Kenny Lewis ended up at the bottom of a big ruck and did not get up again. All rugby players fear neck injuries and an ambulance was quickly called when it was discovered that this was the problem. A 20 minute delay ensued as the paramedics carefully took the Boars captain away.

The match restarted and quickly returned to a full blooded contest as before. The Boars used the field position well as Jack Bailey darted past a couple of tackles on the right hand side and sensibly took the ball to between the posts for Paul Jarvis to convert the try and give the Boars a 5-20 lead. Shortly after this Eastbourne shot themselves in the foot when their number 6 was yellow carded for persistent infringement (it was a fair cop as he was offside so much he should have played in a Boars shirt). Heathfield took advantage of the numbers by swinging the game from one side of the pitch to the other and it was good to see Joe Hendry go over for his first try for the club and the score rattled up to 5-27 for Heathfield.

Eastbourne almost got a toe-hold back in the game when the usually solid Boars central defence went AWOL and allowed a surprised Eastbourne player to make a 22 metre dash to the line for a converted try. The final score was another Jim Cummings trademark rumble through some tired looking tackles to rack up the 5^th Boars try of the day and a final score of 12-32.

Man of the match for the Boars was close between 5 excellent players Nick Evans, Jim Cummings, Jack Bailey, Paul Jarvis and Guy Ellery. The award went to Jim Cummings due to his brace of tries. The Boars also won the ‘man of the match’ drinking race when they swapped the Jim Cummings for Mike MacLeod as the former wussed out on the excuse of having to drive Kenny’s car to the hospital. The news from the hospital is that Kenny has a ‘brass neck’ and is fine. He was later seen at the clubhouse having a pint and negotiating with partner Jo on how to get rid of the stiffness. Say no more!

Boars Team – Mike MacLeod (Steve Lester – 79), Andy Sutton, Nick Evans, Ben Taylor, Tony Rose, Kenny Lewis (Paul Hookway – 55), Tony Wates, Jim Cummings,  Jack Bailey, Brady Burdett, Adam Farrrell, Paul Jarvis, Joe Hendry, Simon Hollingsdale, Guy Ellery

Match report: Mike MacLeod

9/30/2006 3:03:15 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)     

Heathfield and their supporters received a stirring welcome when they travelled to Pulborough’s magnificent new ground on the Parham estate on Saturday. The greeting from the Pulborough club was warm and much appreciated but the welcome on the pitch was far from expected and knocked the Greenies out of their stride from the opening seconds of the game. The home side, clearly proud of their wonderful new facilities were highly motivated and produced a first half of fast open rugby which kept Heath on the back foot until after half time.

Pulborough deserve great credit for the fast and daring rugby they played. Their pack provided adequate ball to a very young and speedy threequarter line and all their tries were scored out wide, two by their wingers and one by their full back after a lamentable lack of tackling by the Greenies.

Heath coach Dave Jones made some changes at half time and Simon Wilson making a welcome return to 1st XV rugby added power and experience to the shell-shocked Heath field side. With Wilson in the van the Heath forwards tore into Pulborough and the backs responded by scoring excellent tries through Mike Hole, Bryn Jones and Joe Riley. Riley kicked two conversions to add to a penalty he converted in the opening minutes.

Having recovered to 20 points a piece, Heath had the game for the taking but Pulborough finished stronger in the final minutes to win the game and record their first win over Heathfield for many years. It was a great start to their league campaign and a perfect way to launch their new ground. Heathfield were beaten by a better and more motivated team but will recover and will be a threat to all the other sides in their division. 

Report by: Mike de St Croix

9/23/2006 9:03:56 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)