History was repeated when Heath field defeated Crawley by a comfortable margin after the game was played with uncontested scrums for the last fifteen minutes. The illogical league rules indicate that the score should be recorded as 24-0 because that was the score when Crawley were unable to provide a second front row replacement having lost their hooker and one prop through injury. Last year the league rules committee instructed the game to be replayed after Heath field were short of replacements who could play in the front row. In view of the timing of the injuries and the score at the time of the injury to the prop it is anticipated that Heath field will be deemed winners at the adjusted score.

The home side dominated the game from first to last whistle with an awesome display by their pack who carried the ball forward at pace time and again with the back row and the highly mobile second row having storming games. Driving play by the forwards set up scores for wingers Tennant and Hole early in the game and Simon Wilson who along with Bruce Pestell had scattered the Crawley defence on numerous occasions, finished one of his surges by scoring a fine try to put the Greenies !9-0 up after twenty minutes. A further try by Damien Pestell who combined well with fellow centre Matt Skinner took the score to 24-o at half time and the game was in effect out of Crawley’s reach.

Heath field started the second half looking as though a cricket score was in the offing. However Crawley defended bravely and showed some skilful touches in mid field.. Heathfield`s pack had been on top for most of the game with Richard Cooley and Rob Lawrence combining to take several scrums against the head and Crawley`s inexperienced front row suffered their second injury with about fifteen minutes of play remaining.Crawley were then reduced to fourteen players when one of their forwards landed a crisp punch on the face of Heath Flanker Paul Flood who had only recently joined the game from the bench. Protesting his innocence in the incident Flood retired for medical treatment with a yellow card, apparently for retaliation while the Crawley player deservedly received a red card.

These diversions spoiled the rest of the game as a spectacle although new Greenies scrum half Will Christian combined well with hooker Rob Lawrence at the front of a lineout to produce a score in the corner.Crawley scored a consolation goal but never managed any parity with a very competent Heath field XV.

Heath field will be without Lee Vokins for the remainder of the season as he has decided to travel to Australia and New Zealand. Lee is an excellent club man and played his usual sound game. There was no weakness in the Heath field side. They ran strongly, tackled decisively and combined well. Due to the interruptions the game became disjointed but t under the guidance of Coach Dave Jones the team has given notice that they have every intention of enjoying a successful league campaign. They travel to Park house on Saturday and anyone requiring transport should contact the clubhouse.            

Report by Mike de St Croix

10/20/2007 5:17:41 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)     

Boars win local derby

The Boars enjoyed this league game against local rivals Uckfield. Not only did they play better than the score suggests but they beat their rivals second team for the first time ever.

A young looking Uckfield second team arrived at Waldron on a bright sunny day. The Boars opted to play up the slope in the first half in the traditional fashion and got off to a great start when Cook finished off a good passing move by bursting 20 metres to score after only 5 minutes. This got better when Farrell dived over from close range to score a try that was subsequently converted.

Then came a period of farce for the Boars as 3 backs missed tackles on the Uckfield right winger, who then went in at the corner for a try. Shortly afterwards Davies and Barber collided when going for a high ball which presented Uckfield with their second try which they gratefully converted.

Davies then made amends for his part by finishing off a good passing move to put the Boars back in the lead. This was added to when Farrell went over for his second try of the half. This made the score 22-12 at the break and everyone thought the next score would be important in deciding the match.

When Cook got his second try of the match the Boars heaved a sigh of relief and when Mike Barber went further and scored the try of the season so far the Boars, taking a great angle through the line, Farrell popped him the ball and then it was only a case of the 75 metres to the line. Then the boars started to relax (or was that tire?) and Uckfield came back into the game. Uckfield scored when their number 8 broke several tackles in a rampaging run that started on the Boars 10 metre line.

From the kick off the Boars pinned Uckfield in their own half, the pressure eventually resulting in a scrum 10 yards out, a nice dummy scissors from Hesketh gave Burdett the opportunity to pop the ball to Wates who crashed through under the posts to score.

But once again Uckfield wouldn't give up and scored again to give the Boars a nervous last few minutes before the final whistle blew on a victory that keeps them at the top of the league.

Man of the Match was Brady Burdett who put in a sound all round performance to edge out Mike Barber who put in two try saving ‘one on one’ tackles.

Boars Team – M. MacLeod, T. Wates, A. Sutton, P. Hookway, T. Rose, A. Farrell, K. Lewis, D. Cook, D. Rhodes, B. Burdett, J. Wates, D. Hesketh (P. De Bruin – 50), K. Davies, S. Hollingdale, M. Barber (B. Groves – 60)

Report by Mike MacLeod

10/20/2007 10:00:39 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)     

I've been offered 3 tickets for the England v. South Africa game this Saturday but can't make it (very annoyed!!)

Anyway, my mate has asked if I can flog them.  He wants £300 each so let me know if you are interested or know any body who might be.

The tickets are Category 4 in Row 1 of Block 12 - seating position shown attached First come first served !!!

10/18/2007 9:10:05 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)     

Here are a couple of photo's of the Under 13's taken on the 13th October at Haywards Heath RFC.

10/15/2007 11:44:58 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)     

Due to availability of players, a much changed Heathfield side travelled to Chichester for the 1st round of the Sussex Vase Competition.

 
Chichester began well and after 5 minutes were deep into the Heathfield 22 and produced their best forward move of the game, with a 10 metre driving maul which ended with a try and was converted.
 

From this point on, the Heathfield forwards took control and dominated all the set scrums and the vast majority of rucks and mauls. A fine performance by all the front eight was the highlight of the game.

A penalty kick by Sam Goatcher gave a 7 - 3 half time score.

 
Chichester struck first again in the second half with a penalty. Heathfield replied with a dominate period of pressure which resulted in a 5 metre scrum, this was driven over and No 8 Warren Wright touching down. Sam Goatcher converted. At 10 all, with 15 minutes to go, the game hung in the balance. A Heathfield infringement gave Chichester a penalty opportunity that gave them the 3 points that won the game for Chichester.

10/15/2007 11:24:47 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)     

In Heathfields’ development team 2^nd game of the league campaign they had to return from a disappointing defeat from the first game, and oh how they did it.  Lewes arrived with just 14 players and were provided with a Heathfield player midway through the first half when it was realised a cricket score was in the offing.  Heathfield fielded a strong mixture of youth and experience in their team and the blend of experience, pace and organisation was just too much for the under strength Lewes team.

Right from the start the sniping runs and pacey breaks of Mike Jacques at scrum half worried Lewes, he squeezed over for a try in the first 3 minutes, then set up Sam Goatcher for a try after breaking from his own half several minutes later, Goatcher duly converted his own try.  There followed concentrated pressure by Heathfield with Ross Reilly going over for his first try from a move he started at fullback after collecting a wayward kick and Levi Willis bagging a hat trick of tries before half time.  Goatcher converted 2 of the tries.   As the half time whistle blew Heathfield were 41 – 0 up with Jim Cummings going over for his first try just before the break.

The second half continued on in much the same fashion with Jim Cummings and Ross Reilly getting another 2 tries each to make their hat tricks, Levi Willis another to make it 4 for the day and Mike Brown squirming under the posts for the final try of the match.  An assorted group of players made 4 conversions and the match finished with Heathfield scoring another 33 unanswered points.  Even though this was a game against an under strength side there’s no doubt the talent in this development team are going to be pushing for places in the first team in the Future. No Man of the match was awarded because of the excellent all round team performance.  With no game next week, the team look forward to a tough cup game in 2 weekends time against Chichester.

Report by Shaun Hipgrave

9/29/2007 5:45:06 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)     

Conditions were perfect for this Sussex Division I match between near-neighbours.  There was little wind, some cloud, no rain and the pitch at Cross-In-Hand is now in magnificent condition.

Hellingly were promoted from Sussex Division II last year and on the basis of this match they look likely to be competitive at this level.  However they were immediately handicapped by the loss of their tight-head prop in the first scrum with a jarred neck and were under steady pressure from the home side with successive attacks on both wings.  On three occasions within a few minutes a Heathfield player crossed the line only to be recalled for a forward pass.

At such moments frustration can begin to upset concentration but eventually Bruce Pestell and then Matt Skinner scored fine tries after good handling moves and it began to look as though a comfortable win was likely. 

Possibly the key moment in the game now occurred as a Hellingly centre was binned for ten minutes.  Bryn Jones converted the ensuing penalty and thereafter Heathfield continued to spread their good possession wide with more home tries looking imminent.  However scores came at the other end as Hellingly seized on two perhaps telegraphed passes to score interception tries, one of which was converted, even though they were still a man short at the time.

With the score at 15-12 Hellingly now had their best period of the game as they spent long periods in the home team half.  Just before half time the visitors missed an easy penalty which would have tied the scores and the home supporters were looking uneasy.

Initially in the second half it looked as though Hellingly would continue to threaten but gradually the home team took control again.  Rob Lawrence stretched an arm out over the line but was adjudged to have made a second movement.  However Will Drinkwater soon scored an excellent try under the posts. Lee Vockins was now replaced by Nick Cherry and Richard Cooley gave way to the veteran and much appreciated Rob Streeter.

The home lineout and scrum had a good day generally and Heathfield had plentiful possession.  The best try of the day was now initiated by Eddie Armah who floated a delightful pass to Adam Tennant who made useful ground before putting Bryn Jones in. Then Damien Pestell matched his brother’s try following a quick tap and break by Nick Cherry and with Bryn Jones converting four out of the five tries the score was now a healthy 36-12.

Just as the home supporters were anticipating even more points Hellingly again burgled an interception and collected their third try.  Few observers could remember three interception tries in one game. However Heathfield were in no mood for further upsets and that was the final score in the game.

Report by Phil Bell

9/29/2007 11:21:31 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)     

Heathfield U 13's kicked off their first match of the season with a friendly against local side Crowborough and were allowed to play on the main 1st team pitch.

Harry Reilly, after 5 minutes, put the first 3 points on the board after Crowborough were penalised for a high tackle and after this the game was dominated by some excellent forward play that helped Harry Reilly to pressure Crowborough with effective set pieces. At one stage, Heathfield went through seven phases of uninterrupted play where the ball was handled by virtually the whole team. Jasper Wren, Henry Ross and Jamie Wardle were highly effective in the scrum and Crowborough were not allowed to get into the game by Heathfield. The partnership between scrum half Kieran Burdett and Harry Reilly at fly Half is proving to be extremely effective and pressure kicking put Crowborough on the back foot. Unfortunately Heathfield lost Henry Jolliffe early on who retired from the game injured after having already proved his pace.

Jamie Wardle scored the first try from a quickly taken tap-penalty close to the Crowborough line. and ten minutes later, Wardle again tapped quickly from a similar position and found Henry Ross who ran a spirited sprint to touch down the first of his two tries.  The conversion was ably converted from wide out. Jack Koops and Callum Cuming are proving to both have the pace for some deft kicks that tested the Crowborough defence. Jamie Wardle scored the third try with some breathtaking footwork to evade Crowborough's last defence, following some good handling by the backs, once again successfully converted.

After this it was the forwards who once more took the game by the scruff of the neck and just would not let the ball go, dominating the mauls and rucks with gutsy determination and it was from one such ruck that Henry Ross peeled way and took a brilliant angle to score Heathfield's final try.

This was a hugely enjoyable match to watch with both sides playing extremely positive rugby and Crowborough were rewarded with a try and conversion in the last few minutes after putting up a dogged and spirited performance.

The whole Heathfield team supported each other, put in some crunching tackles and Adam Davies, Max Ellery and Dean Pennell were constantly at any breakdown and Louis Chavannes, Isaac Brown and Freddie Jones all played important parts insuring that the Heathfield defence was not breached. Man of the match for Heathfield in the backs was Fergus Diplock at inside centre, who tackled, rucked and ran tirelessly all game, with Jamie Wardle given the Forwards award, thanks to his 2 tries and aggressive tackling.

This was Heathfield's first match on a full pitch and the sides stamina and fitness and general positive rugby and teamwork augur well for an interesting season ahead!

9/23/2007 8:16:00 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)     

Boars exit Salver competition

The Boars crashed out of the Salver competition to a team quite capable of winning the competition this year. Brighton fielded a well drilled and capable young team (many were colts only last year) who used their energy and raw pace to good effect.

The Boars pre match tactics were to keep it tight and use the weight and experience of their forwards to best effect (the Boars were on average twice the age and half again as heavy as Brighton and not all the extra weight was muscle). This worked to a certain extent but back fired after 10 minutes when this tactic was tried on the Boars own 22 and the ball was lost and Brighton took the chance to spin it wide and score an unconverted try.

The Boars fought back into their opponents 22 and Burdett called a backs move which caught the Brighton team off guard and Woods cut a great line to score between the posts. Willis used a drop kick to convert and put the Boars ahead.

The second Brighton score was down to a Boars mistake when Willis failed to collect a high clearance kick and the bounce favoured the speedy Brighton backs. From this point the Boars were chasing the game as Brighton realised they could kick to turn their much older opponents and feed off any errors. This led to 2 further tries before half time as the fleet footed youngsters’ eluded tackles or ran round their opposite number to score out wide. This brought up a 26-7 half time and the Boars tried to regroup.

The second half was a closer contest as the Boars eliminated many mistakes and used the wind to gain territory before the forwards tried to dominate their smaller opponents. Brighton score a breakaway try before Jim Cumming finished off at the end of a sustained period of Boars pressure by breaking through the middle of a stretched defensive line and Woods converted. The Boars huffed and puffed but failed to score again despite spells where they battered the Brighton line. Brighton had the final laugh when they again sprinted away to score after winning turnover ball to make the final score 40-12.

Boars Man of the Match was Jack Bayley who matched the Brighton lads for speed and agility but he could not win the game on his own.

Boars Team – B. Togher, C. Jones, C. Watton (R. Burdett – 20), J. Parsons, T. Rose, T. Wates, J. Bayley, J. Cumming, D. Rhodes, B. Burdett (M. MacLeod – 60), D. Hesketh (P. Hookway - 55), A. Farrell, L. Willis (K. Davies – 50), S. Hollingdale, R. Woods

Report by Mike MacLeod

9/22/2007 9:30:03 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)     

Boars 60 vs. East Grinstead 3’s 5

The Boars seem to love playing against East Grinstead. The rugby is usually good, clean and hard fought and the Boars have formed a habit of winning well. In this game the Boars seemed to have the edge in all areas bar the scrum and took their chances clinically while denying East Grinstead many opportunities.

The Boars won the toss and elected to play up the slope hoping to enjoy the benefits in the second half. This seemed to work well as Cook blasted over for a try within 10 minutes to be followed 5 minutes later by a Woods trademark elegant line through a fragmenting defence.

So far so good but the Boars took the foot of the accelerator and began to coast only to be woken up by a East Grinstead score as their big forwards rumbled over.

The Boars fought back and gained the East Grinstead 22 metre line where they were awarded a penalty. Surprisingly the Boars had practiced a set piece before the game and it paid off handsomely when Jim Cumming finished off a move he started 4 phases before. This left time for the best bit of rugby of the half when Lewis stole lineout ball on the Boars 5 metre line, the backs swept it out right where Hollingdale blasted 40 metres up the hill, it was recycled twice and came to Rhodes who put in a lovely delicate chip kick to the left where Woods was waiting to collect and score (just like they do in internationals). This took the tally to a comfortable 24-5 to the Boars at half time.

The Boars took advantage of the slope to make the game rather one sided in the second half as they ran in 6 tries and converted three of them. There was a Cook classic pick up and drive from the base of a scrum, a sublime finish by Farrell, two weaving runs for Bayley, a familiar bullocking blast from ‘Twinkletoes’ Hollingdale and a 40 metre sprint by Jaques to bring up a final score of 60-5. Much credit must go to East Grinstead team spirit for the way they stayed in the game and kept plugging away against a strong Boars team.

Man of the Match was Jim Cumming for being everywhere at the right time but he was pushed hard by the ‘Bionic Boy’ Dave Rhodes who is enjoying his 5th decade of rugby thanks to a good surgeon and an understanding wife.

Boars Team – M. MacLeod (B. Togher – 55), C. Jones, J. Geesin (J. Bayley – 40), J. Parsons, T. Rose (S. Walker – 60), J. Cumming, K. Lewis (R. Streeter – 40), D. Cook, D. Rhodes, B. Burdett, Julian Wates, A. Farrell (D. Hesketh – 50), M. Barber (M. Jaques – 60), S. Hollingdale, R. Woods

9/19/2007 9:22:44 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)     

Boars start league campaign with a win

The Boars started their league campaign with a hard fought win against ‘new boys’ Hastings 3’s. The Boars were deprived of 8 key players due to the rugby world cup (spectating rather than playing it must be said) and so were very grateful for support from colts Goatcher, Salmon and Bird and for late appearances from Willis and Watton.

The game was very even for a full 60 minutes before the Boars fitness began to tell and the Boars pulled away. The start was all the Boars could want as within 5 minutes Cumming broke from the back of a scrum and slashed through a sleeping defence to score. Then Wates got in on the action with a try before Hastings fought back for their number 8 to bludgeon over the line. The Boars answered about 10 minutes later with a flowing move that saw Joe Salmon score on his debut in senior rugby. The score remained 19-7 at half time with both teams happy that they were in with a shout of winning.

Hastings scored an early unconverted try to put the pressure back on the Boars but began to lose their way as their lack of fitness began to tell. The Boars ran in four more unopposed tries (from Cumming, Davies, Ellery and Squires – the latter dislocating his shoulder in the act of scoring) to put a favourable gloss on the scoreline.

The Boars were happy with their days work bar injuries to Lewis, Squires and Walker (the first two being serious) and Tony Wates was a deserved choice as Man of the Match.

Boars Team – M. Fellows, A. Sutton, C. Watton (P. Hookway – 55), M. MacLeod, S. Walker (B. Groves – 65), T. Wates, K. Lewis (D. Bird – 40), J. Cumming, D. Rhodes, S. Goatcher, A. Farrell, L. Willis, P. Squires (G. Ellery- 65), K. Davies, J. Salmon

Report by Mike MacLeod

9/15/2007 9:27:49 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)     

Ghosts from last season were well and truly laid to rest when a highly competent and well motivated Heath field team dominated their opponents from first whistle to last. The score line should have been more impressive as only one of Heath field’s six tries was converted. The Greenies dominated up front with some excellent work in the lineout from Mark Walker and Paul Flood and won all the ball at the turnover through the strength and skill of their loose forward trio. Simon Wilson and the indefatigable Flood were outstanding as was George Leney who has returned to the club after coming down from University. Credit must also be given to two Heath field players who have returned to the first XV after long recovery periods from injury. Centre Matt Skinner was influential in a number of Heath field’s tries and tackled superbly. He is a talented player and will strengthen the squad. Richard Cooley is technically the best prop in the club and it is really good to see him back in action after some unlucky injuries over the past few years.

Heath field started the game with some fast and direct running using their powerful forwards with Rob Lawrence in the van to drive deep into Pulborough territory. The home side defended bravely but could not resist the all round power and skill of the visitors. After sustained pressure inside the Pulborough territory Heathfields backs created space on the right for new man Adam Tennant to cross for the first of his three tries. Adam has made an impressive start for his new club and showed touches of skill throughout the game. Fellow newcomer Ed Armah was also most impressive on the other wing. Both players will score a number of tries during the coming season.

Splendid work by Heath field’s forwards in the line out resulted in Mark Walker sniffling a Pulborough throw to feed Rob Lawrence to score. Adam Tennant then crossed again to give the Greenies a deserved 15-0 half time lead.

One of the strengths of Heath field this season is the overall strength of their squad which showed with coach Dave Jones choice of substitutes in the second half. After an excellent showing Richard Cooley was replaced by the formidable Dan Hunter-Evans and Seb Jones came on for Will Drinkwater. The chariot rolled on and Heath showed what a force they will be this season. The forwards drove forward providing much good ball for an excellent set of backs. The Greenies tackling was ferocious and Pulborough were simply not allowed into the match. Further tries came from Tennant, Armah and skipper Bryn Jones who charged down a clearance kick to score. This was a fine team effort which delighted the usual enthusiastic team of supporters who travelled to Pulborough.

Heath field play Hellingly in their next league fixture on 29^th September  

Report by Mike de St Croix

9/15/2007 5:46:47 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)