In a warm up match for the league game next weekend Heath faced a very strong and determined Hove 3rds in the Sussex Vase (neither Hove 1^sts or 2nds had a game).   Heathfield soon found out they had a real game on their hands with some tough tackling and strong forward play by the visitors.

The Heathfield pack worked hard to provide good ball for the enterprising backs and they just weren’t able to get the final pass away.  However mid way through the first half on his re-appearance in the 2nds after being unavailable for a month Barry Slay cut a clean line through the Hove backs from the full back position, he made an incisive 30 yard break all the way to the visitors try line and just as we thought he’d been tackled short he put us all out of our misery and plonked the ball down for a try, Chris English was unable to convert the score.

A further series of Heath pressure valiantly lead by the skipper and 2^nd row Jenks maintained pressure on Hove who gave away a penalty under the posts, Chris English duly converted it into 3 points.

As the halftime approached only determined last gasp tackling by the Heath backs and a defend at all costs on the Heathfield try line effort kept the score at 8-3.

Going into the second half 3 changes were made in the pack and a revitalised Heathfield took the game to Hove.  Appearing on his debut in the 2nds at scrumhalf was Ed Youngson a former mini and junior who had a storming game.  His quick release of the ball and sniping breaks always kept the Hove forwards guessing.  Other mentions for Dave Groom and Ben Woods who both had good breaks from the wing, one of which set up a try in the corner for Heathfields’ no 8, the unstoppable and greatly experienced Mikey Brown.

This just about broke the back of Hove and the rest of the game was played in their half with Heathfield dominating.

The 2nds go through to the quarterfinals against Horsham 3rds; revenge is required as they beat the Boars to qualify.

Report by Shaun Hipgrave 

12/9/2006 6:06:34 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

After a wet & windy night the teams took to the heavy pitch at Waldron under welcome patches of blue sky.

Heathfield started strongly with a try by prop Ben Smith within the first three minutes. A sound kick by fly half Matthew Barber secured the 2 points for the conversion. After some fine play throughout the team flanker George Wardle managed to fight his way through some strong Hastings defending for his first try of the day. Within another five minutes he had his second and before the end of the first half George had added a third to complete his hat trick, his last two being sandwiched by a typically strong try scoring run from a set play by centre Toby Warren. Unfortunately the strong & blustery winds were too much for Matthew Barber to add to the scores with further conversions but still the hosts went in to half time leading by 27 – 0.

The second half started much the same way as the first with another try from the forward contingent, this time prop Bruno Halit was the scorer. No 8, David Bayly was the next player to add his name to the score sheet with some play which typified his performance all match. Toby Warren ran another try in soon after & this time Matthew Barber got the measure of the wind again with a good conversion kick. David Bayly added his second of the match capping a display that drew high praise from the referee during the post match chat with the coach. The frenetic pace of the match did not let up and to Hastings’ credit they were straight back on the attack from the re-start to set up some good driving rugby towards the Heathfield line. From the Heathfield perspective it was good to see that they were not only about running in tries. They defended well against the Hastings push, well enough in fact to turn the tables once again and take the play back up to the other end where Toby Warren scored his third & final try following a flowing backs move. Matthew Barber completed the game with his third successful kick of the day.

There were fine displays throughout the squad, all eighteen players working hard in what were heavy conditions by the end of the match. Some players were in new positions, Joseph Hastings played well at full back, Harry Smith is taking well to his new position as scrum half. Oliver Kent played well out on the wing before coming back in to take over in his usual role as scrum half in the second half & openside flanker James Wardle is back to his battling best only four weeks after losing the plaster cast from his leg.

George Wardle was named man of the match not only for his hat trick of tries, but also his general dedication to the cause, never missing a tackle.

To complete the full line up, as well as those already mentioned, were: Andrew Horsfall-Turner, Sam Keylock, Ben Maltman, Reece Webb, Jack Fellows, Daniel Halls, Gregory Johnson & Spencer Heath.      

Match Report by Richard Smith

12/3/2006 6:24:54 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

This local Derby was keenly anticipated by a large crowd. Both sides are featuring near the top of the Sussex 1 league total and both clubs always regard this fixture as one of their key games of the season. The match did not disappoint. It was very much a game of two halves but in the end Heathfield scored four tries to Uckfield’s one and thoroughly deserved to win. Coach Dave Jones was delighted with his team and stated that the performance was the best all round effort of the season to date.

The game started with Heathfield losing prop Chris Watton in the first few minutes with a rib injury. The Heath forwards started strongly and only excellent defence by Uckfield prevented them from opening the scoring.Uckfield recovered from a shaky start to play some solid rugby and they were rewarded with the opening score, a well taken try from their influential No 8. This try was converted but well as Uckfield played in the first half, they could not subdue the powerful Heathfield pack especially in the rucks and mauls. The strong men of the Greenies back row Simon Wilson and Paul Flood had outstanding games and props Rory Burchett, who looked more mobile than in past seasons and Andre Douglas did a fine job in the tight often wheeling the Uckfield scrum to regain the put in. Young Mark Walker was majestic in the line out and as always made a telling contribution in the loose. Bruce Pestell continued his splendid run of form and Kobe Tonkin had his best game of the season. With another quality performance by Rob Lawrence and a vigorous cameo from Tom Pritchard when he came on for Bruce Pestell the Heathfield forwards were magnificent especially in the second half when they took the game by the scruff of the neck and set up Heathfield`s best win so far this season.

Shortly before half time Heathfield penetrated the Uckfield defence and good handling and passing by the backs saw Sam Thewlis scoring near the posts for Bryn Jones to make the conversion. At half time the scores were level at 7 points each.

The second half speaks for itself.Heathfield dominated all phases and in spite of some brave defending by Uckfield and good performances from their fly half and No 8 outscored their opponents by three tries to none. The tries by Bryn Jones, Sebastian Jones and Mike Hole were all scored as a result of good ball from the forwards and excellent finishing by a speedy and talented three-quarter line in which Sam Thewlis at full back showed what a huge asset he is to his side. He caught every kick put up to him; he handled a wet ball beautifully, scored a try and crossed the gain line with every run he made. It would be easy to heap further praise on the Heathfield players. The simple truth is they played well from 1 to 15, they played for each other and they followed the plan and instructions of a first class coach. With further improvements they could give the top two sides in the league a shock.

Report by Mike de St Croix

12/2/2006 9:02:33 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Having seen the rain tip down all week, and with the stories from the Boars of a less than firm pitch at Newick the previous week, the 2nds turned up worried that conditions would inhibit their open running style of play.  Their fears were confirmed; the pitch was a heap of mud that went from bad to worse.   However despite some late changes the 2nds put out a strong side.

Initially Newick pressed the Heath line and were awarded a simple penalty under the posts which they converted.  From then on skipper Jenks lead his heavier (and more mature) pack onto dominate the home side.  It wasn’t a day for fancy dan rugby and after a clean break by Chris English at fly half and a good mix of forward and backs ball retention Jim Cummings rolled forced himself over the try line for the first score.  Will Drinkwater ably covering at scrumhalf converted from wide out.

The second half turned into a war of attrition with the wet muddy conditions prevailing.  Some good breaks in the backs by Ben Woods and Dave Groom were never able to be finished off at one point as Brady Burdett burst through into the line we all thought the second try was on the cards, unfortunately his pass didn’t go to hand.

Ultimately it was Heathfields ability to adapt to the conditions, keeping possession, with the forwards, especially Chris Ambrosino, Bob Togher and the ever-youthful Rolo providing some tackle breaking runs that paid off.   After continuous pressure on the Newick line in the last quarter of the game Man of the Match Jim Cummings flopped over for his second try.  With 7 games played, 6 wins and one loss in the League the 2nds continue to bring home some impressive results.  Later in the evening Jenks also went on to lead a mainly 2^nd team to Gold Medal at the Beer Olympics, well done all round.

Report by Shaun Hipgrave

12/2/2006 9:41:11 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

The Boars ended their winning streak of 8 games when they came up against a resolute Newick side. The game was played on a rain sodden pitch in blustery conditions that suggested the forward battle was to come.

Heathfield had a disrupted warm up with several players arriving late and this showed in the early stages of the game as the forwards were not supporting each other with the commitment seen in previous games. Early territorial advantage was lost as Newick kicked for position. From a lineout on their own 22 metre line the Boars lost their own ball, then failed to tackle the ball carriers and Newick deservedly took the lead with a converted try. The Boars looked at each other and then went back to work with more passion. This passion saw Newick under considerable pressure in many phases of the game but always brave enough to tackle hard and intelligent enough to kick for position. The Boars forwards began to dominate in the scrums and the mauls while Newick had the edge in the rucking game.

The Boars came close to scoring on two occasions. First when the drove a maul 25 metres only to be brought down 5 metres short. Many referees would have given a penalty try for this. The second was the last action of the first half when Adam Farrell was just unable to ground the ball when held up over the line.

The decisive score of the game came just after half time when Heathfield were guilty of more sloppy tackling and a Newick back went over in the corner for an unconverted try.

Again Heathfield rallied and took the game to Newick. Again this involved domination by the Boars forwards who made plenty of hard yards only to be turned back by a good clearing kick or a penalty awarded against them. After 20 minutes of the second half this pressure paid off as Tony Rose made a half break close to the line and good support work saw Jason La Roche go over for a try. Kenny Lewis converted a difficult kick and it was game on.

Heathfield huffed and puffed in the Newick 22 metre line for most of the rest of the game but found the Newick defence to be very determined and well organised. As the clock ran down Heathfield captain Lewis was in the middle of a maul and grounded the ball over the try line only to be denied by the referee being in the wrong position and opting for a scrum 5 metres out. This was to be as close as the Boars got to levelling the scores.

This was an annoying game for the Boars as they dominated the game for large passages but Plan A did not pay enough dividends and there did not appear to be a Plan B.

Man of the match went to Tony Wates for his whole hearted performance.

Boars Team – M. MacLeod (C. Ambrosino – 60), J. La Roche, A. Sutton (B. Togher – 50), P. Hookway, T. Rose, S. Walker (J. Sharp - 65), K. Lewis, Tony Wates ,B. Taylor, D. Hesketh, M. McDonald (K. Davies – 70), A. Farrrell, R. Such, S. Hollingdale, M. Barber

Report by Mike MacLeod

11/25/2006 9:07:32 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

On a day when the rest of the UK is enjoying a day of still calm, you can still expect a steady breeze on the front at Seaford.  So a forecast of near-gale force winds made Heathfield regard their visit to Seaford for a Sussex Division 1 match with some trepidation.

Playing into the 30 mph wind for the first half, Heathfield pleased coach Dave Jones by played according to plan.  The forwards rucked and mauled effectively with only rare wider movements.  Seaford are normally known for their strong pack but on this occasion the younger and lighter Heathfield eight took the game to their opponents and frequently made many yards.  Given the conditions the lineout was always going to be difficult and the Seaford ball was often disrupted.  However Mark Walker had a complete monopoly of the ball at the front on the Heathfield throw-in to the extent that Seaford gave up trying to oppose him.  Heathfield were thus able to set up their driving maul to great effect.

Additionally the green scrummage was the most solid so far this season and achieved three strikes against the head so for a change first phase possession was secure.  In spite of the conditions most of the first half was spent in the Seaford half.

Nonetheless the first score came from Seaford after several penalties against the visitors at the breakdown, to the considerable irritation of the Heathfield coach who had wanted his team to reduce their errors in this area.  The Seaford kicker showed his familiarity with using the wind and made no mistake from the ten metre line. (3-0)

Heathfield drove back upfield and after a period of pressure were just denied in the right hand corner.  Strangely Seaford, instead of using the wind, tried a short 22 drop-out which did not work, Heathfield regained possession and some good handling saw Jo Reilly finish well in the left-hand corner. Bryn Jones’ conversion into the gale was only just wide. (3-5)

Seaford replied with another excellent long-range penalty from just inside their own half (6-5) but this just spurred the visiting pack to even greater efforts and they finally worked Bruce Pestell over for another unconverted try. (6-10) 

Seaford missed another penalty opportunity shortly before half-time at which point it seemed that Heathfield had done the hard work and that, using the conditions, they could control the game and build a good score.   However a combination of handling errors by Heathfield and the fighting determination of the home team meant that this did not happen.   On two occasions, kicks by Heathfield from their own half ended up over the opposition dead-ball line resulting in a scrum back.

Simon Wilson made any number of good breaks and gained many yards throughout the game so he deserved his try that followed another good lineout catch and drive. (6-15)

The game became scrappier as the Seaford pack became more effective and their fly-half made several good breaks.  However the green line was not seriously threatened apart from one occasion when the referee erroneously blew his whistle just as Seaford looked likely to score in the corner following a Heathfield fumble.  The referee, who otherwise had a decent game, was unfortunately unsighted in respect of one regrettable incident that could have seen the home side reduced to 14 men for at least ten minutes.

In the last few minutes a period of sustained pressure near the Seaford line resulted in a drop-goal for Bryn Jones (6-18) and although the home team kept trying throughout considerable stoppage time the result was no longer in doubt.

Next Saturday (2^nd December 2.15pm) Heathfield entertain Uckfield in what is always a keenly contested game irrespective of the relative league positions.  However this year the game could have a major impact on the top half of the table so ‘viewing is strongly recommended.’

Report by Phil Bell

Heathfield:Drinkwater, Reilly, Hole (sub Matt Walker), Damien Pestell, Willis, Jones, Vockins, Burchett, Lawrence, Douglas, Mark Walker, Tonkin, Flood (sub Pritchard), Bruce Pestell, Wilson.  

11/25/2006 11:33:19 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

The teams agreed to play 3 x 20 minutes thirds to enable their large squads all to get rugby and Heathfield entertained a strong Chichester side for the first time on Sunday (at Waldron).

The game kicked off and soon the powerful Heathfield pack had the visitors under pressure keeping the ball for long periods with good rucking and driving play. New flanker Abbott recently joined the club from Tunbridge Wells and playing in his first game for his new club scored after only five minutes handing off powerfully and scoring under the posts. Burdett slotted the conversion. But Chichester then got back into the game through their powerful outside centre, who beat some very poor tackling and scored two tries within ten minutes to put Chichester ahead 7-10.  The home team pack then upped its efforts at scrum time and their tackling also improved with Iqbal, Lacey and van Rensburg, in the backs and back row Hollands and Platt putting in some good tackles. Chichester went close on two occasions but for try saving tackles by Scott and Phair, looked extremely promising.

It wasn’t until the last twenty minutes that Heathfield really cut lose. Sutton moved to inside centre and the pacey Hollands went to outside centre. This had an immediate affect - good driving play by Darcy set up a ruck and the ball was spun out by Chipchase to Burdett whose pop found Sutton screaming down the middle unstoppable. Burdett converted. More ball went down the line with Phair and Hollands combining well with Scott, before captain Matt Halls drove over to finish great team score. Good driving play again saw Sutton on the scissors hitting the line well. His drive was powered on by Platt and quick ball was sent down the backs, with flanker Salmon throwing a delightful miss pass to Phair who brilliantly stood his man up and went round him to score in the corner.

The final try was “out and out” speed and power. Once again the forwards created the platform with Bridges, Keylock and Hancock doing the “Donkey Work”. Quick ball down the backs gave Hollands all the space he needed and from the half way line, his change of direction was too much for the Chichester defence to cope with and he scored a truly blistering try. Burdett converted. Tackle of the day also went to Burdett who in typical “Greg Salmon” fashion dumped the Chichester forward backwards to round off a fine afternoons work.

Squad; Hancock, Hope, Keylock, Watkins, Darcy, Horsfall-Turner, Bridges, Tyler, Platt, Halls, Hollands, Salmon, Abbott, Chipchase, Marshall, Burdett, Evans, Phair, Van Rensburg, Scott, Iqbal, Sutton, May, Lacey

11/19/2006 7:59:49 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

The Boars reached the final of the Sussex salver competition by overpowering a speedy Crowborough 2’s side in an excellent game of rugby. It was a game of two styles and each team had the opportunity to win but it seemed as if the Boars had more belief and desire.

The teams came out on a cold bright afternoon with very little wind and were welcomed by a sizable crowd. From the Heathfield kick off Crowborough suffered the first of several injuries when their number 3 took a blow to the head and had to be replaced. At the scrum that followed it was clear that the Boars could dominate this phase of the game.

Another key psychological moment in a match is the first contact with your opposite number and Julian Wates ensured that his opponent (and all his team mates) knew what lay ahead when he cut dead the first Crowborough attack with a thunderous tackle on his opposite centre. The crunching impact was audible and the Heathfield supporters loved it.

So the game began to take shape with the Boars making use of their forwards and Crowborough trying to play an expansive game. The Boars tactics were working better and this paid off after 20 minutes when Jim Cumming broke from the Crowborough 10 metre line and reach the 22 before being brought down. The Boars reached the ball quickly and drove to the 5 metre line before being stopped again. Tony Rose grasped the ball and twisted right which drew the last defenders to him before the ball was popped to Brady Burdett to score between the posts for a try converted by Kenny Lewis.

MacLeod caught the restart kick and popped a lovely ball to Cook who carried for 20 metres to put the pressure back on Crowborough. Within 5 minutes Heathfield gained their second score when La Roche gained a crucial hook against the head on the Crowborough 5 metre line. The Boars scrum made forward progress and the Boars number 8, Dave Cook, timed his pick up and drive perfectly to score. Lewis missed the difficult conversion attempt.

The Boars had most of the territorial advantage but could not add to their score so it remained 12-0 at half time.

Crowborough must have had a positive half time team talk as they came out a much more determined and organised side. For the best part of 30 minutes Crowborough camped in the boars half and tried to prise open the Boars defence. They tried left then right and through the middle without making a serious breach thanks to excellent work by every single Boar. Several of the older Boars were starting to show signs of fatigue and were substituted.

The game was still in the balance but time was running out when the Boars killed the game with a breakaway try. Heathfield had reached the halfway line and were trying to stay there when Adam Farrell spotted the Crowborough winger had pushed up too far and put a grubber kick through to the 22 for Boars winger Simon "twinkle toes" Hollingdale to chase and show why he is the Boars top scorer. Hollingdale chose to kick on and won the race to ground the ball before it went dead. This proved to be the last meaningful action of the game and the Boars began to celebrate.

Man of the match went to the oldest Boar, Mike MacLeod, for his all round performance.

Boars Team – M. MacLeod (B. Togher – 70), J. La Roche, J. Geesin (R. Burchett – 50), J. Cumming, T. Rose, J. Parsons (M. Brown - 50), K. Lewis (B. Taylor – 60), D. Cook, J. Bayley, B. Burdett, J. Wates, D. Hesketh (M. McDonald – 60), A. Farrrell, S. Hollingdale, D. Rhodes (R. Such – 70) sub not used M. Barber

Report by Mike MacLeod

11/18/2006 10:20:33 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

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.    

11/12/2006 1:20:39 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

For the second successive weekend, all three Heathfield adult teams won – and on Sunday the club hosted more than 500 people in a mini-tournament plus matches for the U14 and Colts.  The clubhouse is being packed out with lots of happy people.
The Sussex League 1 match against Burgess Hill followed the current pattern of being decided by a single score.  This looked very unlikely in the first few minutes when the visitors made a faultless start with a clean catch and drive from a lineout near the Heathfield line giving them an impressive, although unconverted, try.  With the Heathfield scrum also under pressure it looked like a difficult afternoon for the home team, especially with late changes to the team due to illness.  Burgess Hill had first use of a variable but fresh breeze.

The shortage of first phase possession meant that good defense and making effective use of turnover ball were crucial for Heathfield and they steadily came back into the game.  The scores were levelled through a move at the front of a lineout 30 yards out which saw Rob Lawrence score his first try for the club in competitive games.
The rest of the first half became increasingly scrappy and the ref felt it necessary to send first a Burgess Hill centre and then Heathfield’s fly-half and captain Bryn Jones to the sin-bin.  The half ended with Burgess Hill pressing the green line but somehow the defence held up.  Having had use of the wind, they would have been disappointed with the 5-5 scoreline.

The second half was similar in character.  Although having the majority of possession Burgess Hill rarely created any chances as Heathfield’s defence proved very effective with Paul Flood and Simon Wilson prominent.  The Heathfield scrum was securing some possession, albeit awkward, thanks to some sterling work by the front five and by Andre Douglas in particular.

With the wind behind them, Heathfield spent long periods in the opposition half although they missed two penalties at this stage.  Then good handling in loose play set up Bryn Jones for a try under the posts although he contrived to miss the conversion (10-5).

At this point it looked as though Heathfield were in control but they failed to capitalise.   Burgess Hill kept competing well and again used their strength from the lineout to score another forwards try which was converted (10-12).
The game was still scrappy with most of the action in the Burgess Hill half and eventually the visitors had another player yellow-carded for dangerous play.  Bryn Jones now kicked two penalties, the first a long range effort from near the halfway line(16-12).  Kobe Tonkin and Paul Flood bravely stayed on although collecting painful injuries.

As is now customary, the last few minutes had the home supporters nervously studying their watches as Burgess Hill vainly tried to snatch a late win.

Heathfield coach Dave Jones was generally pleased with the performance, especially given the late disruption to the team.  This is a young team with several new faces (and more to come?) and it has taken time to come up to speed.  The first three league games were lost but now three have been won in a row.  With the lower teams all doing well, the season looks increasingly interesting.

11/11/2006 4:03:06 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

With one eye on next weeks cup semi final, the boars found themselves depleted in numbers on Saturday, with several players resting, and so went away against Burgess Hill 3rds with only 12 able bodies. (Actually it was only 11, but Dave Rhodes kindly offered to cover two positions!) Burgess Hill lent one and a half players to the boars to make the sides more even and play commenced with Heathfield playing down field for the first half.

It was Heathfield that caught the home side asleep quickly from the Kick off with an off load from centre Mike Barber for wing Simon Hollingdale to run into the corner. Kenny Lewis missed a difficult conversion to make it 5-0. This seemed to stir Burgess Hill, although their first score came rather fortuitously with a mistake from Heathfield in the backs, a loose pass found its way eventually to the wrong hands and the scores were level. A spirited try saving tackle from Mike Barber and some excellent running from Keith Davies were not enough to raise Heathfield though and two more Burgess Hill scores followed and the boars found themselves three-one down with what seemed like a long afternoon ahead.

But at half time a rallied cry from Captain Lewis of :“We can still win this!” seemed to stir the boars and soon after half time a brilliant break from a loose ball saw out of position Hooker Tom race almost three quarters of the pitch to score under the posts, which Lewis converted. The Forwards then really took the game to Burgess Hill making hard yards and winning the battle on the floor, with Ben Taylor and the ever present Kenny Lewis standing out. Dave Rhodes also made some excellent territorial kicks and this territory was rewarded soon afterwards as Brady Burdett sold yet another (now famous) outside dummy from the back of a scrum and sliced under the posts.

The win was sealed soon after, again from a good field position, when an attempted clearing kick from the Burgess Hill backs found its way to wing Hollingdale who, after dropping the catch backwards, collected and turned at pace to beat his man and score under the posts. A mention must also go to the Burgess Hill Full Back, lent to the Boars who had a great game and was stretched off near the end. Another Boars win makes it seven in a row now and the Boars must now look to make it eight next week. Any travelling support would be most gratefully appreciated for the Sussex Salver Semi Final at Crowborough Rugby Club with a kick off at 12.30. 

Report by Simon Hollingdale

11/11/2006 1:18:28 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

With a side showing many new faces, a long trip to Worthing and experienced and well drilled opposition Heath had a tough task on Saturday.  Kicking off with the wind meant we had to pile on the points before half time, easier said than done, only hard work in the forwards and some gritty tackling in the backs especially from Matt Skinner allowed us to turn around with a 10 nil lead.  This was achieved by an excellent try by Matt Skinner under the posts after his usual mazy run from the halfway line; inexplicably Chris English did not convert (probably nothing to do with the confident way he declined the use of the kicking tee, dropped kicked it and watched it slide off towards the corner flag).  Chris Jones also dropped in for a try in the corner, the argument raged long into the night, was it half a yard? Or was it three quarters of a yard he made for his try.

Turning around against the wind tested the determination and steel of all Heaths players, all three replacements came on and contributed to a hard fought out win.  Despite Worthing scoring a try and conversion and just missing a penalty under the posts and dominating many periods of the second half, Heath battled valiantly and were rewarded with a breakaway try in the final minutes by Matt Skinner.  All in all it was an excellent result grounded out by teamwork, some mentions should go to Chris Ambrosino who propped throughout, Jack Bayley at scrum half (not as easy as you think) and Duncan Hesketh who put some crunching tackles in the centre.  However man of the match went to Matt Skinner whose 2 tries, tackling and all round performance contributed to our victory.

Next game is at home to Uckfield 2nds on the 25th Nov with a well-earned rest weekend this Saturday.

11/11/2006 8:59:53 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)