Pulborough u17/18 Colts 10 v's Heathfield u17/18 Colts 24

Heathfield traveled to Pulborough on Sunday and for the first time in weeks played on a large and very dry pitch, ideal for the running rugby.

Pulborough had a very good start however. Playing down the slight slope and with the wind, in the 1st half,  pinned the visitors in their own 22.  Releaving kicks by fly half Mike Abbott would not go far against the wind and Pulborough were able to maintain the field position. 

Five minutes into the game, from a lineout close to Heathfields line, Pulborough worked a clever move and scored. But to their credit Heathfield didn’t panic and resorted to some good driving play up field. The backs were  then used to good effect and gained more ground finishing close to the Home teams line before being bundled into touch.  From the ensuing Pulborough line out, the ball went straight over the back to the ever ready flanker Matt Halls. He sped through the large gap and dived over to tie the scores.

The rest of the half was basically a defensive one on Heathfields part, but Pulborough were beginning to tire having expended large amounts of energy trying  to keep the upper hand and the pressure had been comfortably dealt with.

It was a different story in the second half with good driving play by the Heathfield forwards, particularly captain Angus Taylor and prop Tom Watkins. Once quick ball was created, the ball was spun with Inside centre Leon Collen eventually getting on the end of a fine move to score under the posts, with Abbott converting.

Heathfields line out was securing some good quick possession from Fraser Rogers and Alex Scott and this ball was invaluable to the visitors and they used it to good effect

The 3rd try was the score of the match involving great interpassing between backs and forwards, with the wall being moved to the far left wing, being recyled and finally going down the backs again and wing Luke Hannah having far too much pace on his opposite number and he scored.  Abbott slotted the conversion beautifully from wide out.

The backs were having a field day now and Full back Jeremy Burdett got in on the action. He was involved twice in the move before the ball found scrum half Callum May to round off the game. Pulborough pulled a try back just before the end to make the score respectable but the half had belonged to the visitors.

All in all a very good performance by the Heathfield side just beginning to find its shape.

12/21/2008 1:32:39 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield & Waldron 12 v's Shoreham 7

Heathfield seconds are finding that there are no easy games in the Sussex Intermediate League. Having now played every side in the league we found our selves near the bottom of this closely contested league. The other side close to the bottom was today's opponents Shoreham, so there was more at stake for both sides than usual.

The game started at breakneck speed with both sides probing for any weaknesses. The Heathfield forwards were having a dominant time at the scrums and line outs, making full use of the older heads like Ian Jenkins, Chris Jones  and an old face from the past playing his first game for four years, Tony Flint.

Fifteen minutes into the game, Heathfield had camped on the Shoreham try line for over five minutes, being prevented from crossing the try line by some heroic last ditch defence. Both the Heathfield forwards and backs made several attempts to cross the line and finally made it from a scrum and driving maul with centre Nick Seddon powering over for the try. The conversion was missed by stand in kicker Mike Shallcross. During the remainder of the first half a number of try scoring opportunities were missed mainly due to the defensive skills of Shoreham. During the last minute of the first half a momentary laps of concentration let in the Shoreham backs for a try and conversion. Half time score Heathfield 5 Shoreham 7.

The second half began with some good open rugby despite the sticky ground conditions, and some excellent backs moves showed that the young backs will have much to offer in the future. Scrum half Rob Perry and fly half Joe Salmon, both back from college had particularly good games. It was from one of these backs moves that wing, Chris English scored the second try for Heathfield and was converted by Mike Shallcross. The game was a very close contest right up to the very end and any lack of effort by either side could have made the result go either way.

Full time Heathfield 12,  Shoreham 7.

12/20/2008 1:37:56 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Hastings 3 Heathfield & Waldron RFC 21

Heathfield ended their pre Christmas league programme with a convincing away win at Hastings. On the soggy surface at Hastings this game was never going to be a high scoring affair but having contained their hosts admirably in the first half the Greenies dominated in the second with the wind behind them and scored three excellent tries. Hastings never looked like crossing the Heathfield line and one penalty goal was scant reward for their hard work and robust tackling.

The first half played in the wettest part of the pitch was uneventful and it was no surprise that the teams turned round level having each converted a penalty. Hastings played with commendable determination but could make little impression on one of the tightest defences in the league. Heathfield looked skilful when the ball was moved to their backs but Hastings were up fast and defended as strongly as their opponents.

It was clear early in the second half that Heathfield needed to play the game in their opponents half where the surface was fast and relatively dry. Well served by his forwards and by scrum half Lee Vockins, Bryn Jones kicked accurately and turned the larger Hastings pack time and again. With their speedy wingers putting pressure on the Hastings back three, Heathfield began to dominate. Their first try conceived and scored by hooker Rob Lawrence was a gem. Rob threw short at a lineout on the Hastings 22. Vockins had stood at the front of the lineout and caught the throw and delivered a perfectly weighted pass back to the speedy Greenies hooker who sprinted to the line.

After the restart Heathfield worked their way back into the Hastings half where their admirable forwards turned over Hastings possession and slick and quick passing by Lawrence and Bryn Jones gave Eddie Armah sufficient space to beat his winger on the outside and run clear with a blistering turn of pace to score one of Heathfield`s best tries of the season. The next try which followed soon after was scored by Heathfield`s other flying winger Seb Jones. This try was every bit as good as the Armah try. Again good possession by the forwards allowed skipper Vockins to move the ball into the midfield where Tom Sheffield made a lovely outside break beating his centre by pace before delivering a sumptuous pass to Jones who rounded his winger with ease to score another excellent try.

This try closed out the match which the Greenies thoroughly deserved to win. While their quality backs provided much of the excitement, their pack which lacked their three principal lineout forwards did much of the spadework. The veteran second row of Jim Cummings and Tim Evans worked tirelessly, Matt Skinner playing in an unaccustomed back row position had a wonderful game but the player who epitomised Heathfield`s spirit and courage was, as ever, Tom Pritchard who had another enormously influential game in the back row.

This side has given their supporters much pleasure and deserve their Christmas break before they attempt to give Lewes from one league higher a shock in the Sussex cup on 3rd January at Cross in Hand(kick off 1.30pm).

12/20/2008 1:34:21 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Boars Taught a lesson

Hove’s 53  - Heathfield & Waldron Boars 21

The Boars took what they thought was a good team to Hove but were blown away by a magnificent first half display of back play from the hosts. From the Hove kick off the Boars were put under pressure and the ball quickly went to the Hove outside centre who sidestepped several players and broke a couple of attempted tackles to score between the posts.

From the restart Hove ran the ball back and swept wide right to create an overlap and score. A few minutes into the next restart another Hove attack tore the Boars defence to shreds and allowed the speedy outside centre to score again. [Captains Comments! the outside centre was PRETTY GOOD!! and the old farts he was playing against were OLD!]

Woodsie starts off another attack...

We were now 10 minutes into the match and the Boars had hardly touched the ball. Something had to change or it would be a long and embarrassing afternoon so when the Boars forwards gained the ball it was a signal to tighten the game and play physical rugby. This started to pay dividends and gave a 15 minute spell played in the Hove half. However a half chance was all Hove seemed to need and when this came they counter attacked swiftly and scored out left.

Good Heathfield pressure at the scrum... careful m8, KFC is eyeing up your legs... he probably thinks they're edible!!

A return to the forwards saw the Boars grind up field then from a set scrum Mike Brown broke away and slipped a great pass to Julian Wates who cut back on the angle to score from 10 metres out. This heralded more Boars pressure but mistakes were to prove costly as Hove scored tries from two counterattacks and one interception.

Mike Brown keeping up the pressure...

With the score 43-7 at half time the Boars had little but pride to play for and each side made several changes at half time with the Boars ones being more effective. Each side scored two tries in this half (with the Boars converting both of theirs to none from Hove) with the best coming from the Boars as they ran a penalty from their own 5 metre line, the ball passing through several hands before Lee Keylock grounded for the try. Greg Kneller was the other Boars scorer as the forwards at last got the reward for keeping their opponents under pressure all game.

The Boars man of the match award went to Greg Kneller for his work rate and willingness to go keep going forward.

Boars Team – G. Kneller, J. Sharp, M. MacLeod (R. Burchett – 50), P. Hookway (I. Schleider - 40), B. Stow, T. Ralph, K. Lewis, M. Brown, M. Walker, B. Burdett, J. Wates, T. Ingram, N. Sands (T. Keylock – 40), S. Hollingdale (L. Keylock – 40), R. Woods

Match Report by Mike MacLeod

12/20/2008 12:57:47 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Choccs Away for the H&WRFC U14's

Wednesday night the clubhouse was a hive of activity as the U14s had their last training session of the year followed by a chocolate fountain.  Thanks go the parents for bringing along a mountain of fruit, biscuits and sweets - the boys soon dived in to cover them (and themselves) in chocolate!  It was great to see Fergus all in one piece, sporting a rather fetching sling, which luckily didn't hamper his energetic chocolate eating. 

Thanks also to Guy, Brady, Mike and Jan whose enthusium and commitment to the team is amazing!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND BEST WISHES TO ALL FOR 2009!

12/18/2008 3:02:53 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Greenies get out of Jail!

Heathfield U14  12  V  10   Crowborough U14

Another league match for the Greenies and, for a change this season, it wasn’t snowing, sleeting, hailing or raining with a force 10 gale blowing at the same time! However, it was very cold and the pitch, although eminently playable, was wet and muddy in patches after the previous days storms.

Heathfield were fully aware of the tough test ahead of them as these 2 teams have fought out draws over the past 2 seasons. However, Heathfield started strongly and dominated much of the play for the first 10 minutes, a period which culminated in George Bending scoring a really good try in the right corner after some slick handling in the backs.

Unfortunately, this seemed to signal a period of 10 minutes when Heathfield became very lethargic and were bettered to the breakdowns and failed to contest at rucks and mauls. Indeed Heathfield were turned over at 8 rucks in good position during this time and finally gave away a penalty in front of their own posts which Crowborough duly converted. After the restart, and from a line-out in the Crowborough half, a series of bad decisions and poor handling from Heathfield, somehow provided Henry Jollife with the opportunity to dart over to score a converted try close to the posts! A few minutes later, Lewis Golding had the opportunity to settle everyones nerves when he broke through a couple of tackles when over the try-line but failed to ground the ball!

So, half-time came with Heathfield leading (and just about justifiable so) 12 – 3.

The second half was to be a rearguard action for the most part from Heathfield. A mixture of luck, good tackling in the Heathfield midfield (Henry Jolliffe and Fergus Diplock) and occasional good rucking by the forwards kept Crowborough at bay until finally Crowborough managed to breach the Heathfield defence and score a converted try close to the posts.

This led to a tense final 10 minutes where Crowborough threw everything they had at Heathfield. During this period, centre Fergus Diplock was seriously injured in making a tackle and was taken away to hospital with what was later to be diagnosed as a broken shoulder socket. Our best wishes go out to Fergus for a speedy recovery. Get well soon Fergus as we need you back commanding the midfield again!

After play restarted, and with less than a minute to go, Heathfield gave away a penalty in their own 22 about 10 metres from touch. Crowborough decided to kick the penalty but narrowly missed and the final whistle went moments later.

Final score was 12 – 10 to Heathfield.

12/15/2008 2:18:03 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Hove Colts 10 v's Heathfield & Waldron Colts 17

Heathfield arrived at Hove with only 12 players and so Hove started with 13 players as is agreed in league fixtures. But in the face of adversity, the Heathfield colt fights hard and so it was again on Sunday. The tackling in defence from the Heathfield side was immense and even with the one man advantage, Hove just could find a way through.

Chipchase commanding his forwards...

After 15 minutes the extra players arrived and Hove had still not gained the advantage. The longer the half went on, the more the belief grew in the Heathfield side and gradually the visitors pack began to dominate the Hove forwards.  A sterling and courageous display by captain Rhyss Evans lifted his team, especially in defence where on one occasion a Hove forward on full tilt, possibly 5-6 stone heavier than Evans was halted in tracks with a superb tackle. That was typical of the Heathfield display all match. Tackles were flying in particularly by scrum half Will Chipchase to help the Heathfield backs keep their speedier opposite numbers in check. It was therefore down to the Heathfield forwards to gain the upper hand. Following a penalty conceded by Hove, field position was obtained with a long kick to the corner and with a good lineout win, a try was scored by second row Angus Taylor. The conversion was beautifully slotted.  Hove replied towards the end of the half with a try skillfully created by their talented back division. But Heathfield had the final say of the half, again by direct driving by their pack, resulting in a good try by prop Oliver Hancock.

Oliver Hancock scoring

The second half was all Hove for the 1st 10 minutes as the home team fought to get the ascendancy but it was not to be their day. From a secured line out by Evans on his own 22, the Heathfield forwards began their 5 minute move, using driving mauls and pick and go’s. It finally resulted in the play coming to a halt on Hoves try line. The ball was recycled for probably the 20th time and flanker Robert Horsfall Turner flung out the pass to the unmarked left wing Marcus Wright who dived in at the corner. Although it was not the prettiest try ever scored by Heathfield, it was certainly one of the most technical and skillfull scored by that team in a long time.

The BIG drive upfield begins...

Hove were beaten and although they pulled a try back to make the score more respectable, the win had been earned by that piece of brilliance and the hard, aggressive and relentless defence by the Heathfield colts.

12/14/2008 12:30:38 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Midhurst U16s v's Heathfield & Waldron U16s

League game, Midhurst 0 – Heathfield & Waldron 43

Heathfield left for Midhurst in high spirits however, it was not to be a simple trip and with the A272 closed due to flooding just after Billingshurst, some of the team and the kit arrived a little late, leaving little time to warm up. This lack of preparation showed, and with Midhurst kicking off,  Heathfield were under the cosh for the first 5 to 10 minutes soaking up the Home side’s pressure.

However after warming up and getting used to the 2 new players, Jack Fellows at Hooker and Joe Wood at Full Back, Heathfield got their act together.  Following a ground making kick from Jack Warren into the Midhurst half,  Heathfield forwards dominated with several minutes of pick and drive before finally getting  the ball to prop forward Frasier Goatcher; who in classic prop style got his legs pumping and cleared all out of his way to ground the ball for the first try of the game. Jack Warren kicked the conversion, for a further 2 points.

Midhurst again kicked deep and Heathfield losing the ball had to absorb more Midhurst pressure before the backs, who had now warmed up,  took the game in hand and raced away to get winger Sam Browne in for a second score.

This time the restart was not messed up by Heathfield and after catching cleanly, Heathfield  managed get the ball to the other winger, Owen Lewis, who stepped gracefully out of several tackles before grounding the ball, for Heathfield’s 3rd try. The last try of the first half went again to the forwards with flanker ,Oli Stables scoring and Jack Warren finding the posts to finish the first half 24 points up.

Heathfield kicked off the second half with the slope and expected to run away with the game. However, for the next 5 minutes this was not the case, as a determined Midhurst worked hard to get on the score board, only to see their efforts come to nothing as centre Ethan Walker took the ball at pace and cleared the Midhurst backs for the 5th try and Warrens 3rd conversion. The forwards where not to be left out and after building more pressure scrum half Tom Nudd collected the ball from the base of a ruck to sidestep a couple of tackles and get the ball to ground despite the best efforts of Midhurst. Warren again stepped up and slotted the ball between the posts. So after 15 minutes of the second Half Heathfield need just 2 more points to finish the game. However if they thought it was a done deal they where mistaken and Midhurst where not yet ready to give up. Despite 5 more minutes of pressure it took another of Heathfield new crop of players, Patrick Cremin to find the line, and with his first try for the club bringing the game to an end.

Heathfield Team:
Ed Boulton, Sam Browne (1 try), Miles Carter, Patrick Cremin (1 try), Jack Fellows (1st appearance), Fraser Goatcher (1 try), Will Jones, Alex Lester, Owen Lewis (1 try),  Tom Nudd (1 try), Merlin Roberts, Oli Stables (1 try), Ethan Walker (1 try), Jack Warren (4 conversions), Ben Wickens, Joe Wood (1st appearance)

12/14/2008 12:19:10 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Boars celebrate Dave Rhodes 50th Birthday

Boars 27  v's  Rye 2’s 5

The Boars welcomed Rye Gooners to a sodden Cross in Hand to help celebrate the 50th birthday of club chairman and Boars scrum half Dave Rhodes. This stalwart is enjoying his 40th consecutive year playing rugby having started as a callow 10 year old. Proud Yorkshireman Dave was welcomed onto the pitch by several team mates in fancy dress providing a ‘black pudding arch’ and proceeded to give a vintage display in the poor conditions.

Little need be said about the game bar that the Boars won well and it gave an excuse for the revelry that followed.

Man of the Match was Dave Rhodes for being 50 years of age all through the game.

Boars Team – A. Sutton (M. MacLeod -70), J. La Roche, N. Evans, J. Parsons, T. Rose, K. Lewis, M. Brown, D. Cook, D. Rhodes, B. Burdett, J. Wates, S. Barrow, S. Hollingdale, C. Martin, T. Keylock (R. Cooley – 60)

12/13/2008 12:40:06 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Curry and Karoke with the X-Factor

The Curry and Karoke night at the Clubhouse on the 22nd November was a fantastic event.  Organised by Kevin Pearce and Hugh Reilly from the U14's, it saw about 65 people tuck into mega amounts of curry - some even going up for 2nds and 3rds!!  The star of the evening was Richard Ross and his brilliant rendition of Delilah - watch out Tom Jones!!  It was a chance for many to showcase their talents and when the U14s team got up to sing the atmosphere was electric with anticipation .....  throats were cleared, hair was re-arranged and poses were struck ....... Suffice to say that their talents lie on the rugby pitch!!  Rob Lawrence finished off with a few numbers and it was time for all to head off home, knowing that the evening had raised about £400!  Thank you and well done to all who took part - Thanks Kev and Hugh - can't wait until the next event.

12/9/2008 4:28:32 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Boars return to form

Boars 50 Crowborough 2’s 5

The Boars entered this match needing to halt a run of four consecutive defeats and did so convincingly. The Boars pack dominated their lighter opponents from the start and denied the good looking Crowborough backs any good ball. This paid off early on when no.8 Ian Schleider broke out from a maul to crash over from 5 metres. Further tries came in from Dave Rhodes and Rob Woods before Crowborough got on the score sheet as they ran a quick penalty from the 22 and caught the Boars asleep. This brought the score to 17-5 at half time.

KFC takes an early lineout, we have found that if we use food in the lineourt calls he leaps higher!

Early pressure from the Boars pack, which dominated all afternoon

Dave Rhodes pounces on a ball that shot out the back of scrum to score; at nearly 60 still has great speed and awareness.

The Boars made three changes at half time and came out much the hungrier and more aggressive. Continued dominance in the forwards provided the platform for five more tries (two from Dave Cook, another from Woods and singletons from Brady Burdett and Julian Wates) the last two being lovely backs moves scored after scrums had been taken against the head.

ELVIS is spotted in Heathfield! Justin Waters breaks the line again...

Great charge from Mike Fellows with young winger Jack Gavor supporting.

In a week with many players out to injury throughout the club much praise must go to those Heathfield 4th team players who stepped up and played a huge part in this victory.

Man of the Match was Sam Cooley for causing mayhem all through the game. This was a cloase run thing though as Tom Keylock also had a an excellent game as did Ian Schleider, it was great to see these two YOUNGER players getting so involved.

Cooley, Bazen and Brown link up to run the Crowborough forwards ragged...

TART... do I need to say more!

Boars Team – M. Fellows, A. Sutton (R. Burchett – 40), M. MacLeod, J. Parsons, D. Bazen, K. Lewis (M. Brown – 40), S. Cooley, I. Schleider (D. Cook – 40), D. Rhodes, B. Burdett, J. Wates, S. Hollingdale, Jake Gavor (G. Ellery – 60), T. Keylock, R. Woods

Match Report by Mike MacLeod

12/9/2008 9:12:39 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Whitstable RFC 3 Heathfield & Waldron RFC 19

Heathfield travelled to the North Kent coast with a large contingent of supporters but with a much changed team. Due to injuries and absentees only eight of the team who defeated Crow borough were available but such is the strength of  their squad that Heathfield were able to secure their first away win of the season by wearing down a strong and determined Whitstable team.

Although there was surface water on parts of the pitch, the afternoon was bright and dry. Heathfield played up the slope in the first half and spent much of the half in their own territory and were obliged to defend against some driving play by the home side.Whitstable`s strong and experienced pack shoved the lighter Greenies pack back at the first scrum and threatened to exert dominance in the forward exchanges. However the Heathfield forwards dug in and mainly through the admirable Bruce Pestell won a lot of line out ball including a number of steals against their opponents throws. On one of Heathfields excursions into Whitstable’s 22 the Greenies were near to forcing over the home sides line but after a succession of penalties acting skipper Lee Vaccines opted for a kick at goal which Matt Skinner landed to take his side into a slender lead. Whitstable responded immediately with a beautifully struck drop goal from their talented young fly half but Heathfield after some valiant defensive work especially by their young back row crept back into their opponents half for Skinner to kick a second penalty to give the Greenies a 6-3 lead at half time. Throughout the first half Heathfield`s tackling had been excellent and Bryn Jones made some crucial defensive punts which often relieved strong Whitstable pressure. Will Drinkwater at full back also kicked well and the ubiquitous Rob Lawrence also showed some of his kicking skills.

Lee Vokins scores the only try of the game...

Playing down the slope in the second half Heathfield exerted continuous pressure on their hosts who made too many errors to relieve the wave of attacks which the young and fit Heathfield side were making. The defining moment of the match came when Vockins, who led by example all afternoon, scored an excellent try under the posts .His decision to trust himself instead of  spreading the ball wide resulted in a certain seven points for his team and a lead which proved decisive. Once again the Heathfield line was not crossed and two additional penalty kicks by Skinner sealed a hard earned victory. The win, in view of the number of changes forced on Coach Dave Jones, was one of his sides best of the season to date. Every player stood up to give of their best none more so than Vockins and tight head prop Richard Cooley who propped both sides of the scrum during the game and continued to achieve a fantastic work rate in the loose. This Heathfield side and the army of supporters will remember their first visit to a club who has a great deal in common with Heathfield.

This Saturday kick off in the cup game at Cross in Hand against Lewes will be at 1.45.
A large crowd is anticipated.

12/8/2008 11:40:07 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)