Heathfield Overwhelm Local Rivals

H&W RFC 53   HASTINGS 0

Heathfield extended their unbeaten run of home league matches to five when they overwhelmed their local rivals by more than fifty points including nine excellent tries. The game was open and the home side played some fast and direct rugby with much passing between backs and forwards which left Hastings often clutching at straws and wondering how they were going to restrict the margin of defeat. To their credit they tightened their game in the final quarter and prevented Heathfield from adding to their tally in that period. Heathfield`s ball carrying and handling throughout was of the highest order with forwards Koby Tonkin, who had an excellent game as captain, Simon Wilson, Rob Lawrence and Bruce Pestell running and handling like threequarters.

The home side began the game at a cracking pace when Wilson and Lawrence carried towards the Hastings line to link with the backs who created an opening for veteran prop Tim Evans to score. This try was followed by further crisp handling for another of Heathfield veterans Levi Willis to score wide out on the right. Not content with this try which was converted by Matt Skinner, Willis used his power to complete another move by the backs and score again towards the right hand touchline. Matt Skinner added the points as he did to the Greenie`s next try when Damien Pestell made a break from the Hastings ten metre line and ran a superb line between the Hastings centres to touch down under the posts. Matt Skinner was kicking and running well and it was appropriate that he should score and convert the final try of the first half.

The first fifteen minutes of the second half was similar to the first half with Heathfield scoring four more tries after impressive running and handling from the whole team. Tom Pritchard replaced Tim Evans after Evans appeared to have bruised a rib. Rob Lawrence took over propping duties and Pritchard hooked. The Greeny front row remained secure and Pritchard showed his versatility by extending his run of tries by scoring twice.

The first try of the half came when fly half Bryn Jones slipped a beautifully timed pop pass to full back Sam Thewlis and between Pritchard’s tries Tom Sheffield showed blistering pace when he completed a good handling movement to beat the cover defence from 30 yards out.
It was clear that the players in green enjoyed the game and they certainly played in the style that their coach has developed with them over the past two seasons. In terms of the league table they are the most successful of the Sussex teams in the division and they have the ability to topple some of the Kent high flyers when they visit Cross in Hand. Before that they play their old rivals Crowborough at home on 29th November and then travel to Whitstable on 5th December.

11/18/2008 6:52:34 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield & Waldron Colts v's Eastbourne Colts

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

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

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

Eastbourne Dev 10 - Heathfield & Waldron Dev 32

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

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

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

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

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

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

11/17/2008 6:50:11 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

HEATHIELD BLAST OPEN COASTAL DEFENCES.

Hove RFC U14  5       Heathfield & Waldren RFC U14 15

Perfect playing conditions greeted Heathfield’s trip to the South coast in an important League match against a much fancied and well drilled Hove team that has always provided a challenging game.

Right from the start, Hove threw down the gauntlet and unleashed their back line who demonstrated excellent ball handling skills and the home team notched up the first score of the day with a break into Heathfield’s corner.  Jasper Wren, who had an exemplorary captain’s game, gathered up his troops to lead the comeback and from now on Heathfield’s forwards took the game by the scruff of the neck, gave it a good shake and started to dominate the game. For Heathfield it was to become an attacking forward’s game with their backs providing excellent defensive cover.

Jamie Wardle, Jasper Wren and Zack Lamas demonstrated a new confidence together and were to be found at the thick of all the action. Alex Borg and Greg Pearce also used their size to seize the ball at every opportunity and Max Ellery’s lineout targeting always found his man. It was from a ruck, fifteen feet from Hove’s line that we saw Heathfield’s first score and appropriately, prop Adam Davies aggressively used his stature to slam the ball down for the first points.

Harry Reilly used his boot with surgical precision to keep pushing the ball back towards Hove’s line and for the second half of the game Heathfield set up camp in Hove’s 22. Hove, however, always looked threatening and their backs were constantly poised for a counter attack. Centres Fergus Diplock and Henry Jolliffe both had sound games using their pace when appropriate to open up Hove’s defence and wings George Bending and Jack Koops both committed good attacking runs. Gareth Lloyd also played a good tactical game at full back and put in some notable tackles.

Heathfield’s second try unfolded from a ruck fifteen feet from Hove’s line when Henry Ross ripped the ball and once he had a sniff of the line nothing was going to stop him, he used his considerable reach to get the ball down much to the team’s delight. Harry Reilly deftly converted. The game was effectively sewn up by Harry Reilly seven minutes from the whistle when he threaded a perfect drop kick through the Hove posts to take the game out of the home side’s reach.

The Heathfield forwards played a blinding game, dominant in the scrum, determined in the rucks and unbeatable in support. It was a game played in excellent spirit by both teams and the final whistle was greeted enthusiastically by everyone on the touch line!

11/17/2008 6:30:46 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield & Waldron u13 v's Crawley u13

No book to read this week.

A very good result with the final score Heathfield 50 V Crawley 0.

 
The most pleasing aspect was no doubt the fact that we managed to get plenty of game time for everyone. Congratulations to Tom and Henry for their first game with the club.

 
There were many positive results from the game and it will certainly make selection difficult for two weeks time, it is therefore important to get to training before our next league game.

 
Once again next Sunday training is vital, and just because we do not have a game it should not be seen as an opportunity to take the day off.

 
Without going through too many players there were some outstanding players today. Hugh Whitlock tackled incredibly well and single handedly stopped at least two certain tries. Ben Robson was sensational on a wing and Sam Evans giving away weight height and everything else was inspirational in the scrum. The play of the day however for me was the sight of Elliot Buckland picking up the ball cleanly every time and taking it up the middle making huge ground.

11/16/2008 6:25:33 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Folkestone v's Heathfield & Waldron

Folkestone 15   Heathfield & Waldron 5

Wet and windy weather followed the Greenies down to Folkestone where the home side played the conditions well and made fewer mistakes than their visitors. The referee who had  a good game surprised many onlookers by allowing both sides to play in the same colour and as both clubs set out to play a similar style of rugby it was sometimes difficult to identify  which team was going forward. It was a well contested and clean game played in a good spirit which meant that the large crowd were treated to enjoyable rugby on a miserable afternoon. Folkestone deserved their win and the margin was fair.

With the elements in their favour Folkestone exerted early pressure on Heath and were rewarded after about ten minutes with a penalty off one of the upright posts. Folkestone wasted little time in forcing their way back into their opponents 22 when Heath attempted to run the ball out of defence down their narrow side. They conceded a turnover and the Stone’s half backs sensibly moved the ball to the open side where Heath had little cover. The conversion was missed but Folkestone had started well and were not allowing Heath into the game.

The Greenies came back again with some spirited running but too often their usually safe handling let them down and Folkestone were able to regain the initiative. From a turnover on halfway the speedy home backs moved the ball left and with a beautifully timed pass after a miss move the left winger rounded the Heath defence with ease to score under the posts.

 
Heathfield responded by contesting every loose ball and they again showed well in the set pieces. They made occasional sorties into their opponents 22 and were near to scoring when No 8 Simon Wilson made a surging run near to the left touchline. Heath again came close to scoring a try through their forwards which would have put a different perspective on the game but the home defence was secure and the score at half time was 15-0 to the home side.

Heathfield improved their game in the second half with the wind in their favour but the home side defended their lead with commendable commitment and with good tackling were able to blunt most of the Greenie`s attacks. The Folkestone fly half controlled the game skilfully and often kicked intelligently to relieve dangerous situations. Heath made too many mistakes to achieve any consistent rhythm but the scored the try of the match which was loudly and graciously applauded by the home spectators as well as the Heath faithful. Sam (Mono) Thewlis who is having a marvellous season at full back made ground just inside his sides ten metre line, jinked both ways and then raced up the right hand touchline leaving the home defence flat footed before chipping over the Folkestone full back.Mono duly won the race for the touchdown and grounded the ball skilfully just in play but very close to the touch in goal line.

Not even this wonderful try could rescue the day for Heathfield but they again gave notice that they are going to win a number more games in this league especially in drier playing conditions. The team gave of their best but were on the day fairly defeated. As always with this team all fifteen players contributed but apart from the silky running skills of Thewlis two excellent club men deserve mention. Both these players Tom Pritchard and Jack Bailey are utility players who are capable of playing in different positions if it helps their club. Neither is physically massive but both are fearless and will give everything for their team. Tom has played at wing forward and hooker during this season and in fact scored an excellent try against Park House which was incorrectly attributed to his fellow Tom, Sheffield .He again played admirably in both positions on Saturday while Jack, more often a flanker, had a very solid game on the wing often running well out of defence. The Heath coaches are fortunate to have players with such versatile skills at their disposal.

This Saturday Heathfield entertain Hastings at Cross in Hand. Kick off is at 2.30

11/10/2008 6:21:23 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

HEATHFIELD TAKE THEIR EYE OFF THE BALL!

Medway RFC U14  36      Heathfield & Waldren RFC U14    17

This was a friendly game against a very useful Medway side that was well drilled with a big centre and swift full back that Medway used with great precision to carve up the Heathfield defence.

Heathfield took the game to the Rochester side in the first few minutes and the first try was the result of a ruck on the Medway line picked up and touched down by scrum half Freddie Jones, duly converted by Gareth Lloyd.

This seemed to galvanise Medway who went on to dominate the rest of the game with Heathfield unable to put in the important game saving tackles and this must be an area of concern for the Greens. Lewis Golding, in his debut game, used his power and strength to notch up Heathfield’s second try and the side started to get their act together. Henry Jolliffe used his speed for a superb run, brushing off the Medway defence to secure Heathfield’s final try.

Medway had set the bar too high for a resurgent Heathfield who started to apply the right angles in the scrum and in fact were to dominate the forward play in the last fifteen minutes.

The lessons Heathfield might take from the game, tackle hard, support the player with the ball and ruck over the ball. It was however, an entertaining game played with excellent spirit throughout.

11/9/2008 7:25:37 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield Under 13’s v Hastings

Heathfield 91 Hastings 0

The Heathfield Under 13’s travelled to Hastings with a great deal of trepidation as this was their first ever league game. Hastings had always proved a happy hunting ground for us in the minis but junior rugby we have learnt is entirely different.

The first issue to face was a very difficult selection process. In the end we had to leave 8 very disappointed boys behind. Our substitutes also would make most sides first 15. Our run on side therefore looked particularly good on paper, however there was a question mark over how they would play together with the backs coming together for the first time.

The weather gods were with us at the kick off and we were fortunate throughout to keep dry on the sidelines whilst the players dealt with a pitch that had a lot of surface water but was in reasonable condition given all the rain.

The first 7 minutes saw Hastings take the game right up to us and we struggled to break their lines whilst they played the game in their attacking half, it looked to be a close game as Hastings forwards showed how to play the conditions with pick and run and Heathfield looked a little disorganised.  The forwards however were starting to work hard and get on even terms and following a run of play where we went through 7 phases we finally found ourselves in our half and Hastings on the back foot. Good ball from the forwards left the posts unguarded and quick ball from Julian Overy to Connor Squires found Jake Forder running at pace and putting the ball directly under the posts. Rory Cramp duly kicked the conversion and the sideline breathed a sigh of relief. Our first league points were on the board.

The kick off  from Hastings found Julian Overy  and a mistake by Hastings gave us a penalty, the forwards then made excellent ground into their 22 and after some pressure  by both sides we found ourselves with  a scrum feed. The forwards recognised the opportunity and an excellent platform was set for Overy to fire a ball out to Squires and in a perfect training run exercise Max Kotz took a lovely inside ball and he was over the line. Cramp once again converted.  Whilst we were 14 points up there was no real indication of what was to come as Hastings were pressing hard. Kotz was finding the Hastings man mountain at 8 a difficult proposition but holding his own.

The last 8 minutes of the first half unleashed a backs combination that the Hastings team had no answer to as Oliver Watson who was to score at least 4 tries  and Jake Forder 3 carved up the middle. The forwards lead by hooker Callum Halit were setting up excellent ball and the number of times that Halit and Overy were able to rip the ball from the opposition and provide ball to the backs was outstanding.  If Forder and Watson were not running in tries they were offloading to the wingers where Hugh Whitlock was making huge yards on every play down the wing and setting up tries with his breaking runs and ball handling. Into a very strong head wind we went in at half time with a very strong  36 points to nil lead.

By half time the forwards were starting to get the better of Hastings as Simon Ruddle and Billy Downes started to find strength and Halit commanded the forwards in tight play. After half time the trend continued. Tobias Maltman had proved one of the major differences in the first half getting to the breakdown with Tom Parr and between them providing excellent support. When both started running with the ball and breaking open the play they found great support from Jack Smith who is still working on his fitness following injury and Rory Cramp showing his usual zeal. Kotz was now getting on top and breaking the game open as Hastings found their 8 could not do it all on his own as Cramp, Maltman and Kotz wore him down.

The floodgates then opened as the backs played the ball at will as Overy dominated around the loose giving perfect ball to Squires who returned  the favour to his centres  providing inch perfect passes to the running Watson and Forder who found either the try line or James Woods and Whitlock both of whom made valuable yards. The rain had not come but the floodgates had opened.

With 20 minutes to go subs were made. Michael Green going on for an injured Rory Cramp and proving himself more than capable adding to the scrum and getting around the ground well and Ben Moverly-Smith for Tom Parr. Elliott Buckland came into the front row. Alex Basterfield into the second row, Harry Foster took up command at Fly Half  with Barnaby Blackstone at inside centre Sam Evans started outside centre and then moved to his customary blind side flank where he  finished the game in outstanding style . It was unfortunate for Hastings that this group of players were desperately hungry to make an impact. Foster continued the process of pin point passing, Buckland out muscled his bigger opponent. The Hyphen was ferocious in the scrum setting up an excellent try. Blackstone was involved in two plays of the day making a brilliant break with the ball and then weighting a perfect ball to Woods who ran in a try from 35 out. Blackstone followed with a cheeky kick and chase to put Maltman over the line. Foster used all his outstanding ball skills to put Squires clear down a wing, whilst Basterfield used his fresh legs to advantage, taking the ball up to the opposition who were by this time wondering how to get a break. In all the subs proved the depth of our team and have piled pressure on every player to continue their excellent form. Selection will continue to be difficult.

There are no doubt many candidates for most improved player however I have left special mention for Peter Dunne at full back who showed clean hands and heals all day to the opposition and was superb taking every ball with confidence and breaking lines in difficult conditions.

Our thanks must go to Hastings who were putting out a team that was quite inexperienced and they played the game in excellent fashion, never giving up despite the score line. The referee and the Hastings club dealt with the one unsavoury incident very swiftly and professionally. Their hospitality and post game attitude to what was a difficult day for them was a credit to their club and their supporters. We look forward to returning with some of our more inexperienced players for a friendly game in the near future. The score line does not reflect the effort they put into the game or the manner in which they played.

Overall it is impossible to name a best player. There were two highlights of the day for me. One was the incredible ball skills shown by all players with hardly a ball lost all day, the forwards dominating and setting great platforms, brilliant field kicking and positional play by the backs , the second was the integration of new players into the team. Last year we picked up Kotz, Foster, Parr and Ruddle late season who made an enormous difference. This year new players such as Downes, Forder, Whitlock and Watson have provided the impetus for pressure to lift the game of our regular players and the remainder of the season looks positive.

Next week we have Crawley where some players who missed out today will get an opportunity to show their ability and press for selection.

Tries Watson 4 Forder 3 Kotz 2 Parr 2 Woods 1, Maltman 1 Halit 1 Squires 1
Conversions Cramp 2  Overy 2  Foster 4

11/9/2008 6:17:04 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield & Waldron Colts v's Hastings & Bexhill Colts

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

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

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

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

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

11/3/2008 6:09:25 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield & Waldron v's Park House

Heathfield & Waldron 19    PARK HOUSE 10

Although this league game was played throughout in the most atrocious weather conditions both sides played some excellent rugby which went some way to cheer a very cold and wet gathering of spectators. The match was, in effect won by the home team in the opening quarter when they scored two fine tries both of which were converted by  Joe Reilly. Park House never recovered from the early onslaught and although they scored a superb try in the closing minutes, Heathfield dominated play from first whistle to last.

Heathfield coach Dave Jones was able to select an almost full strength side for the first time for a month and his players responded by once again showing that they are capable of climbing further up the league table. Their two early tries by winger Tom Sheffield and full back Sam Thewlis came from clean possession from the forwards and safe handling in the wet by the threequarters.The opening try came after dropped a pass in the Park House in goal area. Heath won the resulting scrum and moved the ball wide to Sheffield who had no difficulty in scoring.

Having taken such a convincing early lead the Greenies played with great confidence in spite of the driving rain and icy wind. The ball was frequently run out of defence and moved down the line with commendable dexterity. The handling and running of both backs and forwards was thrilling to watch and would have resulted in more tries on a dry day. Park house responded by defending stoically and kicking the ball out of hand to clear their lines. Their outstanding scrum half never received quality ball but nevertheless had a fine game and made a wonderful break to set up his side’s only try at the end of the game.

For Heathfield every player went well, none better than skipper Kobe Tonkin who led from the front and ran like a centre with ball in hand. With Simon Wilson returning to the fray to add his power and experience and Heath’s athletic front row again outclassing their opponents, the Greenies had the platform to dominate which they did with style.
Scrum half Lee Vockins continues to improve with every game and his half back partner Bryn Jones also had a good game scoring a try in the second half when he powered his way to the line from outside his opponents 22. Sadly Heathfield lost Joe Reilly with what looked like a painful rib injury shortly before half time.

While mentioning a few individuals in a very united and motivated team, it is difficult to overstate the qualities that the Pestell brothers give to their team. Damien at inside centre brings pace and strength to the midfield where he, Jones and Matt Skinner make a formidable trio, and Bruce on the flank is one of the Greenies ball carriers and simply loves the hard work that forwards have to do these days.

If Coach Jones can keep the squad together for the visit to Folkestone this Saturday, Heathfield could break the Stone’s sequence of a hat trick of league wins.

11/1/2008 6:12:00 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

25/10/08 Bromley 22 - Heathfield &Waldron 11

Bromley maintained their unbeaten record but failed to impress against a Heathfield side who lacked their usual confidence and fluency. The weather was good, the pitch was in perfect condition for fast running rugby but the players on both sides were unable to understand the frequent exhortations from the referee not to kill the ball in the contact area and consequently the game was of poor quality and the result was disappointing for the large contingent of loyal supporters who travelled from Heathfield.

Playing down a marked slope and with a breeze at their backs Heath failed to impose themselves on a strangely hesitant Bromley side in the first half. All Heathfield could manage was two penalties while Bromley scored the only try of the half when their competent fly half cross kicked on his own 22 line for their right wing to gather and score a well executed try in the corner. Heath could and should have scored more points in this period. Once again the front row of Richard Cooley. Rob Lawrence and Tim Evans dominated a larger trio and won possession with and against the head. Mark Walker was outstanding in the middle of the lineout but the back line never looked like penetrating a sound Bromley defence.

The Greenies played with more urgency against the elements in the second half and managed one try through the excellent Jim Cummings after Heathfield won a lineout near their opponent’s line half. They held a one point lead for a short time but Bromley responded with a good try and the referee decided to yellow card a Heathfield player for off side when he had been warning both sides for persistent infringing for most of the game. Soon after a Bromley prop was also sent to the sin bin for not retiring ten metres. The ref had tried to be consistent with his interpretations of the new laws but sadly empathy between him and the players was very limited. In the dieing minute Bromley’s excellent NO 8 who had been a thorn in Heathfield`s side all afternoon scored a try to secure his team a deserved win by 22-11.

Heathfield did not do themselves justice in this game and will be looking for far more flair and fluency when they entertain Park House in their next league game at Cross in Hand this weekend (kick off 2.30).

10/28/2008 1:16:03 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)