Heath field’s young side were mentally and physically exhausted at the end of a pulsating period of extra time in their Sussex Shield semi-final at Pulborough on Saturday. Having achieved a tremendous win at Horsham the week before, the depleted squad rose to the occasion against a Pulborough side who had beaten them once this year and were highly motivated to achieve a double.

Heath field were prevented from playing their usual open and free flowing game by a side who attacked boldly from deep on a pitch which always favoured the team playing down the slope and with the strong breeze. Both teams made a number of errors but Heath won the game because of their belief in themselves and because of their remarkable determination. Both sides deserve much credit for their skill and their desire to play an open and attractive game. The home side proved much sterner opposition for the Greenies than sides placed higher in the league table. As the teams are due to meet again in a return league match at Cross in Hand this Saturday, Spectators should prepare for a feast of open running rugby.

Heath field held Pulborough for most of the first half against the elements and in fact scored the first try running up the hill thanks to a fine run on the burst from Rob Lawrence playing in the unaccustomed position of inside centre. Seb Jones took the scoring pass and ran in near enough the posts for Bryn Jones to convert. Pulborough were stung into action by conceding the first score and put their visitors under constant pressure for the remainder of the half, scoring two converted tries in the process. The half time score was 14-7 to Pulborough.

The Heath field faithful on the touch lines expected a relaxed second period with Heath field playing down the slope and with the wind. But it was not to be as Pulborough played some bold and fast rugby attacking Heath field with direct and powerful running whenever they had possession. After a great deal of pressure near the Pulborough line, the Greenies, in the person of the powerful Lawrence, forced their way over twice from close range for two unconverted tries and with only three minutes of normal time to play, Heath field appeared to have won the game by three points. However Pulborough came storming back and dead on the full time whistle they were awarded a penalty which their excellent scrum half converted to take the game into extra time at 17 points all.

The first period of extra time passed with the scores at 17 all and Heath field held the advantage of playing downhill in the final ten minutes. Still neither side would give ground and as Heath had scored Three tries to two it appeared that they simply had to hold on to win this epic match. With just one minute remaining Heathfield were awarded a kickable penalty and to the huge relief of players and supporters alike Bryn Jones struck the ball high between the posts. The Final score was 20-17 and another nail biter between the two clubs had run its roller coaster course.

No praise would be too high for the players of both sides. They gave their all for their respective clubs and frankly neither really deserved to lose. The tiny difference was Heath fields self confidence and dogged refusal to accept defeat. This result means that Heathfield and Waldron RFC will be contesting two finals at Crawley on Sunday March 25^th. The second or Development XV will play against Haywards Heath thirds for the Sussex Vase and the 1^st XV will play against Burgess Hill in the final of the Shield.

Report by Mike de St Croix

3/10/2007 6:02:34 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

OCTOBER 06

£50 D HESKETH

£25 M BROWN

£10 J WATES

NOVEMBER 06

£50 B TAYLOR

£25 D RHODES

£10 S WILSON

DECEMBER 06

£50 M DE ST CROIX

£25 P MERCER

£10 C HICKS

JANUARY 07

£50 J CASHMORE

£25 G GREEN

£10 A FLINT

FEBRUARY 07

£50 S WILSON

£25 G WOODS

£10 S SHERLOCK

3/5/2007 10:15:10 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

It would be fair to say that there is a little bit of history between these two squads as a result of matches played whilst on tour with the Minis on the Isle of Wight over the past few years. The last meeting was at the Vectis Festival 2006 when Edenbridge, having received a mauling from Heathfield in the not so friendly Saturday game, duly eliminated them from the Tournament on the Sunday.

The match got under way just after the heavy rain started  but this did not seem to deter a very determined Heathfield side from going straight out and securing the first score within 2 minutes of the start with prop Daniel Halls powering over for his first try for the club.

This immediately settled the Heathfield forwards and straight from the re-start they regained possession and after some amazing passes & interchanges in midfield got the ball to Toby Warren who ran clear of the Edenbridge backs at their 10m line to touch down under the posts. Fly half Mathew Barber converted with a fine kick in the increasingly difficult conditions. Blindside Flanker JJ Redman was the next Heathfield player to score, powering his way through the Edenbridge backs leaving them trailing in his wake, there seemed little they could do to stop such a strong player. It was at this time that the coach decided it was time to ring some changes bringing on three substitutes, a luxury that he has not been afforded over the last few weeks through lack of players. The Heathfield team continued to pile on the pressure & when Daniel Halls popped the ball out of a maul to JJ Redman he didn’t need telling what to do next and powered over in the corner. Mathew Barber stepped up & coolly converted his kick to put the home side 24:0 up at half time.

Heathfield were now playing downhill for the second half and judging by the first half performance were expected to pile on more points. Sure enough George Wardle, playing today at inside centre, didn’t disappoint, appearing out of a mêlée on the Edenbridge 5m line to crash over the line for another try. Mathew Barber’s attempt at converting fell a little short but this was no disgrace as he was now kicking directly into the driving wind & rain. The game was turning into somewhat of a war of attrition with injuries to the Edenbridge side reducing them to 14 players. Heathfield’s Oscar Lacey deserves great credit for volunteering to make up the numbers for the opposing side after playing a full first half for Heathfield.

Bruno Halit seems to have taken to his new role out on the wing and the Heathfield backs are now realising that if they can feed the ball out quickly enough he is able to use his size and pace to good advantage. Sure enough he was next on the score sheet with a fine burst the corner from 25 metres out. By this time Heathfield realised that their best chance of scoring in the awful conditions was running, not kicking, therefore they waived their right to any further conversions in favour of getting on with the match. JJ Redman scored two further tries, Toby Warren added to his tally once more and Man of the Match Bruno Lomu Halit crowned the display with the final, 10^th try of the match right on the final whistle.

To their credit, the Edenbridge players remained resolute to the end and never gave up despite the awful conditions.

Coach Mike Barber had given the team a stern dressing down after last week’s performance against Cranbrook when despite winning they had almost let a commanding first half lead slip by the final whistle. The same could not be levelled at them this week and the team never once looked like letting the opposition breach their defences whilst at all times retaining their desire to increase the score right to the final whistle.

This was the third time Heathfield had racked up over fifty points in a match this season and even more impressively the fifth win with a clean sheet of the season.

A fine performance by the whole squad : Jack Fellows, Daniel Halls, Ben Smith, Ben Maltman, George Wardle, Reece Webb, JJ Redman, David Bayly, Harry Smith, Sam Saunters, Mathew Barber, Bruno Halit, Spencer Heath, Gregory Johnson, Sam Keylock, Toby Warren, Oscar Lacey, Joseph Hastings.

Match report by Richard Smith

3/4/2007 9:47:09 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heath field travelled to Horsham expecting to face the Sussex division 1 leaders on their new and flat pitch. Having played a game against a select county back in September this beautiful new surface has hardly been touched. Sadly the recent weather put paid to te original plan so the game was played on the old first XV pitch with its steep gradient. Heath field however were really up for the game and, playing down the slope in the first half, put Horsham under constant pressure. Although Heath fielded a lighter pack than their opponents, they more than held their own in set pieces which allowed the forwards and in particular Rob Lawrence and Simon Wilson to carry the ball at pace and with great determination deep into Horsham’s somewhat fragile defence. While enjoying the advantage of the slope Heath field created a number of scoring chances but too often passes were spilled near the line and Horsham managed to keep their line in tact with some fine last ditch tackles. The Heath field supporters were fearful that the excellent start and fierce commitment shown by an inspired Greenies team would go unrewarded as half time approached. However late in the half the Heathfield forwards won good ball and moved the ball to the left inside the Horsham 22. As the move developed it became clear that Heath’s powerful prop Dan hunter Evans was positioned in the outside centre position and once the ball was secured in his safe hands it was clear that no defence was going to stop him and he scored his maiden try for Heathfield. This score lifted his team and inspired him to play his best game yet for his club.

Heathfield`s slender half tome lead of 5-0 did not seem anyway near enough and most people watching the hard fought contest expected the Home team and league leaders to dominate their opponents once they had the slope in their favour. Heathfield however had different ideas and playing up the steep hill tore into their larger opponents with controlled ferocity. Early in the half scrum half Lee Vokins was given a yellow card for picking the ballup in a ruck.While the referee’s decision was technically correct it seemed a little harsh as there were so many infringements from both sides throughout the game. However the match was a very clean one and played in good spirit by both sides and the ref generally kept good control. Within ten minutes Horsham capitalised on the advantage of the slope and a good supply of possession to level the scores with a well taken try. A short while later they scored another good try but to Heathfied`s relief they failed with both conversions. Just when it seemed the game was approaching the anticipated conclusion Heathfield raised their game and proved what a fit and gutsy unit they are.

Their pack held their own held in the tight with Hunter Evans Lawrence and Douglas performing heroic deeds of strength against a heavy scrum pushing downhill in the muddiest parts of the pitch. Whereas Lawrence’s throwing into the lineout was exemplary, Horsham’s Hooker frequently threw crooked and handed the initiative back to Heathfield.The greenies played the game at pace and continued to use their talented Backs. Whenever Horsham attempted to run the ball they were toppled by a well organised and courageous defence. As the game entered its final phase Heathfield players and supporters realised that, in spite of being one score adrift, they were in control of the game and insight of a memorable victory. Their opponents had little left to offer. At this point Heathfield scored one of their tries of the season which delighted their coach and their club. Forwards won a turnover, backs worked the ball into space, the excellent and elusive “Mono” Thewlis sidestepped through the mud and delivered to the outstanding Rob Lawrence who sprinted uphill to score under the posts. He wasted no time in placing the ball and converting himself. Heathfield were two points in the lead but there were some 12 minutes still to play and Horsham were still favourites to steal what had been a pulsating game. Almost immediately Heathfield were down to 14 men again when another yellow card was issued to Damien Pestell, one of the teams most robust and reliable defenders. But still Heath field tackled their hearts out and hung on until the ref blew the whistle just a tad early. Justice had been done, the best side on the day won and Heathfield`s revival gathers momentum. The coach and the entire squad deserve the highest praise. It was a day to remember For H&W RFC.

Report by Mike de St Croix

3/3/2007 9:50:16 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Sat 24th Feb 2007

This game was played in excellent spirits on a pitch which in places would have been better suited to mud wrestling rather than a game of rugby.

After 10 minutes it was difficult to tell one team from another which at times caused confusion in defence. More about that later.

Heathfield started off the stronger with good passing and linking up between forwards and backs. It wasn’t long before Ian Schleider with the help of the pack touched down from a driving maul. The conversion was missed 0-5

Soon after the re-start Uckfield returned the favour. Following a missed tackle in mid-field Uckfield found themselves camped on Heathfields try line and following some tenacious driving around the fringes and some dubious tackling they crashed over for an unconverted try 5-5

From the re-start Heathfield applied the pressure again and Peter Phillipou, recently returned from University, intercepted a pass from Centre to Centre and scored under the posts. The conversion was missed 5 – 10 and only 12 minutes had elapsed.

16 minutes passed whilst everyone just got a bit muddier and then Uckfield with some good barn storming runs and some missed Heathfield tackles scored under the posts. Again the conversion was missed, in fact during all the conversion attempts the touch judges were more in danger of being decapitated than any points being scored. 10 – 10

Half time came and went and for the next 20 minutes Heathfield tried and tried again to cross the Uckfield try line without success. Uckfield managed to relieve the pressure just the once with a kick to the Heathfield 22. From the lineout Heathfield won the ball. This is where it all got a bit confusing.

A player emerged from the side of the maul and ran across the pitch. From the stands, due to the thick coating of mud, no one could tell if it was an Uckfield or Heathfield player. The big clue was when the player turned and started running towards the Heathfield posts. The Heathfield players were slow to react still obviously confused and missed at least 5 tackles allowing the now exposed Uckfield player to score to the left of the posts. Yes..the conversion was missed 15 – 10

Heathfield never give up, and again they camped on the Uckfield line. With seconds to go all appeared lost but from a lineout the ball went through several phases before a driving maul again saw Ian Schleider score to the left of the posts 15 – 15

Chris English stepped up to take the kick, the last play of the game. With a swing of his right boot the ball rose up towards the posts and….. hit the cross bar and bounced out. Final score 15 – 15

“A fair result” was the feeling around the bar afterwards.

Heathfield: Nick Evans, Chris Jones (Capt), Bob Togher, Ben O’Neil, Tony Rose, Sean Dorril, Ian Schleider, Ollie Robertshaw, Christian, Chris English, Ross Riley, Peter Phillipou, Ben Woods, Dave Groom, Jack Bailey, Charlie Jones (40)

2/26/2007 7:57:23 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

In one of the closest and most exciting Sussex Division 1 league matches of the season, Heath field defeated a strong East Grinstead side who had been near to toppling league leaders Horsham the previous weekend. Having lost by only three points at East Grinstead at the beginning of the season, Heath field took the game to their opponents from the first whistle and scored after only four minutes with a typical three-quarter move involving fly half Bryn Jones, inside centre Damien Pest ell and finally the rapid and elusive Sam Thewlis who touched down. Bryn Jones converted.

East Grinstead then set to work to repair the damage and their large pack and very skilful Colts scrum half created major problems for the home side. East Grinstead with a strong front row and a six foot eight inch tall lock proceeded to win a monopoly of set piece possession, especially in the lineout. Heath field had problems at the base of the scrum where the visitors managed to escape punishment from the referee and consequently succeeded in spoiling much of Heath field’s possession from the set scrum. Although they were starved of quality possession for long periods the Heath field pack tackled ferociously, contested every break down situation and manufactured some sensational turnovers which kept their talented three quarters interested. Not for the first time this season the Greenies were up against a powerful pack but they enjoyed dominating a  three-quarter line which was bereft of pace and skill.

East Grinstead scored a try after forward pressure on fifteen minutes and extended their lead to a point with a penalty goal just before half time.

At the beginning of the second half Heathfield replaced the injured Tom Pritchard with Paul Flood and brought the powerful Levi Willis into the fray in place of Will Drink water. Neither Levi nor Flood are shrinking violets and both had an early impact on Heath field’s play in the second half with a number of muscular runs into the heart of the opposition defence. Soon after an incursion into the East Grinstead 22 by Flood the ball was fed to Damien Pest ell on the burst for him to stretch Heathfields lead by five points. East Grinstead continued to provide extremely stern opposition but thanks to the home sides fitness and determination were unable to add to their points tally whereas Heath field scored another penalty before the Pest ell brothers who have been a vital part of Heath fields success this season scored a try apiece to close out the game at 25points to eight.

Although the admirable and courageous Greenies pack did amazingly well against physically larger opponents, this was a day when the exciting Heath backs made the difference on a pitch which, inspite of many hours of rain was in excellent condition for running rugby. It was a day when Heathfield showed they have one of the best pitches in Sussex as well as one of the most exciting teams.

Report by Mike de St Croix.

2/24/2007 8:33:03 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Crowborough 3’s 0 vs. Heathfield Boars 65

After last weeks poor performance it was important that the Boars got back to winning ways. Captain Lewis elected to play with the slope in the first half to seek an early advantage and gain momentum. This was quickly rewarded by winger Hollingdale fending off 3 tackles to score in the bottom corner.

Shortly afterwards Sam Goatcher, a colt playing his first senior game, ran a lovely angle to break the defence and score a try he then converted himself. Not satisfied with this Goatcher broke outside his man 10 minutes later and ran in a try from outside the 22 metre line. Burdett then showed the new generation his patented dummy moves as he shimmied over for a converted try. Not to be outdone Hollingdale then bagged his second with a strong run and Burdett kicked the conversion.

Goatcher clearly found senior rugby to his liking as he racked up his third try of the half with a simple line break through some weak tackling before kicking the extra points. Much of the scoring was coming from excellent quick ball won by the Heathfield forwards. It was a no nonsense performance by a lightweight Boars pack for whom Hookway and Farrell were outstanding.

The forwards got a reward when Walker pounced on a loose ball in the Crowborough goal area after a 5 metre lineout. That ended the first half scoring and the teams turned around at 41-0. Now it was time to see if the Boars forwards could contain their heavier opponents when they had to play uphill.

The Boars need not have worried as the Crowborough pack huffed and puffed but could not break down a dogged Boars defence and the Heathfield backs made use of any ball they were given. Burdett pulled the strings to release Goatcher for his fourth try early in the half and the biggest cheer of the day came when Hesketh crashed over from 10 metres after a tapped penalty move. This was the hard working Hesketh’s first try for the H&WRFC and no one deserved a try more.

Next to score was Burdett who benefited from an unselfish pass from substitute centre Squires to score near the posts with Lewis converting. The icing was put on the cake when Farrell ran three quarters of the pitch to score after a Crowborough forward rumble was disrupted. The final whistle went shortly afterwards and heralded the highest margin of victory in the Boars history suggesting that the Boars are ready for their rather tough final few league games, starting next week at home to Eastbourne Gold.

The Boars Man of the Match was Adam Farrell who put in a good shift at blindside flanker.

Boars Team – M. MacLeod, J. Sharp, A. Sutton, P. Hookway, S. Walker, A. Farrell, K. Lewis (G. Ellery – 70), G. Robinson, B. Taylor, B. Burdett, D. Hesketh, S. Goatcher (P. Squires – 65), S. Hollingdale, K. Davies (M. Barber – 60), M. McDonald

2/24/2007 10:03:09 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Hellingly punish sloppy Boars

After the excitement of the Salver Final the Boars returned to the league competition and were ambushed by a committed Hellingly side. The Boars looked out of sorts even in the warm up and were punished for some dire tackling throughout the game.

Hellingly scored 3 unanswered tries in the first half hour. Their first came as S. Gower waltzed through the Heathfield backs to score between the posts. The second was similar as tackles were missed and the Hellingly right winger scored. The next was a forward effort with a catch and drive at a lineout allowing Blake to score.

Heathfield finally came to life after this and Jason La Roche scored off the back of a rolling maul started by Rose catching at the lineout. Lewis kicked the conversion. Unfortunately more bad tackling allowed John Cooley to score Hellingly’s fourth just as the half time whistle went.

Tough talking at half time seemed to have worked when the Boars scored almost immediately after the kick off. The kick was caught by Hellingly but the Boars forwards drove the Hellingly player back 20 metres and into touch. The ball was won at the lineout and Adam Farrell cut a good inside line and was unstoppable as he broke 3 tackles to score.  Again Lewis kicked the conversion.

The Boars were now on their game and pressing well. However the next score was a real blow as Burdett attempted a long floated pass but this was well intercepted and Edwards ran 60 yards to score for Hellingly. This settled Hellingly and S Gower got his second of the day for Hellingly as Heathfield heads dropped.

A brief flicker of hope was kindled with 10 minutes left when Burdett dummied his way past a couple of defenders to score in the corner but this was extinguished with the final Hellingly try from D. Gower. Francis then kicked his 5^th conversion out of seven attempts as the final whistle went.

The Boars Man of the Match was Tony Rose a genuine team player at second row.

Boars Team – M. MacLeod, Jason La Roche, A. Sutton, P. Hookway, T. Rose, S. Walker, K. Lewis, T. Wates, B. Taylor, B. Burdett, A. Farrell, S. Hollingdale, K. Davies, J. Henry, B. Woods

Reprt by Mike MacLeod

2/17/2007 10:40:31 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield recorded a comfortable win at Plump tons delightful racecourse ground last Saturday. The home side, who have been up against it in Sussex Division 1 played with great spirit and had a territorial supremacy for much of the second half. By this stage however Heath fields speed and fitness had ensured victory in a game which was entertaining for the spectators and which was played at a brisk pace and in the best spirits of the game. Players and spectators alike had a most enjoyable afternoon.

As befits a team in form who are currently scoring a lot of tries, Heath field started at a furious pace and only over complication and some spilled passes prevented really heavy scoring in the first half when the visitors were playing down the slope. Damien Pestell scored the first try cutting inside and threading through the Plump ton forwards. The back row then high jacked the scoring with fine tries by Paul Flood, Simon Wilson and Bruce Pestell. Just before half time skipper Bryn Jones decided that the backs should get involved with scoring again and scored a try which he converted himself to add to two earlier conversions. The half time score was 31-0 which reflected the domination by the visitors.

The ubiquitous Tom Pritchard had a fine first half standing in again for Rob Lawrence at Hooker and Andre Douglas proved his full recovery from fractured ribs by holding his own against a very ample front row. Both were substituted at half time and Rob Lawrence and Matt Ryan enjoyed themselves in tight and loose in a second half which was more sternly contested by Plump ton. Although Plump ton had much more of the game playing with the slope, Heath field’s style of play settled the result with three excellent tries from the speed merchants Seb Jones, Sam Thewlis and Mike Hole. This was yet another good team performance by a side who are enjoying their rugby. There are some big games ahead but the Greenies look as though they are capable of rising to the challenges which face them. One of the gratifying aspects of their play is the fact that the younger players like Seb Jones, Mark Walker, Dan Hunter-Evans and Tom Pritchard are improving with every game and are making very positive contributions to the success of the team.

Report by Mike de St Croix

2/17/2007 8:29:57 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)