Heathfield & Waldron A Colts do it again!

• Zac Abbott - A newcomer to our squad and will feel unfortunate not to have been on the field earlier. Good impact.
• Chris Flockhart - Came on in the second half and worked hard around the park and added strength. Great prospect for the seniors. Gritty player and a throw back to the Flankers of the 70s. 
• Ollie Hancock - His usual strong scrummaging but looking more mobile and showing good aggression. Showing no signs of the knee problems that have dogged him this year, a good 35 minutes.
• Luke Hanner - What pace! Nervous start but in the 2nd half made Brighton's life miserable, even from behind our own try line. The Worthing 7s is going to be a treat if we get Luke the ball.
• Alex Langton - Showed what he can do when running with confidence. Not just short bursts but 40+ metre runs at full tilt. Never lacking in defence, Alex let nothing past.
• Ben Cox - Solid game and one particularly great take and 25 metre run out of defence beating 2 players and then shipping, showing why he should be more confident.
• Mike Abbott - Best kicking game of the season. Playing at Outside Centre was given more freedom to run aggressively and exploit his pace. Gave us more options wider and lots for the coaches to think about.
• Leon Cullen - Solid in all ways. Big hits in defence and massive carries in attack. Showed glimpses of deceptive pace when running into space and moved the ball well.
• Jez Burdett - Why isn't he more confident? He controlled the pace of the game and made things happen, varying the options and bringing the backs into play. Great pace for the try of the game.
• Greg Salmon - Best game of the season with precise passing. Good bossing of the pack and a thorn in the side of his opposite number. Great vision to kick, chase and tackle to set up 5th Try.
• Angus Taylor - Captain and leader by example. Started his game in the changing room bringing out his team well fired up. Angus worked for every minute of the game. Surely a future Club Captain.
• Matt Halls - As seen in the match report was involved in nearly every score. His mobility meant there was always support whether in open play or at the breakdown. A forward but the hands and pace of the "Pretty Boys".
• Tom Keylock - Ever the maverick but a great performance. The work rate was exceptional and Tom was first at nearly every breakdown. His try from 35 metres showed why he can also play at Centre.
• Alex Scott - What Alex lacks in size he makes up for in coverage around the park and work. Alex' work in the lineout meant that Heathfield dominated in this area. Worked well in defence.
• Dylon Eames - What an asset! Dylan is huge, very tall and more weight than I would want to tackle but still one of the quickest forwards. Some good carries and very destructive in the contact area. Controlled the lineout.
• Shrek - Our Man Mountain. Tom's work rate was phenomenal and I saw much extra aggression with the ball in hand when carrying. As usual he dominated the scrums with his enormous strength. Unsurpassed this season.
• Rob Horsfall Turner - Hooked well securing the majority of scrums. Rob's fitness and pace meant that he was always with the play and his carrying always a menace.
• Andy Godwin - Another cornerstone to our scrum. Andy was as always effective with the ball carrying well and making ground. Yet again Andy had chance to show his versatility when standing in at Hooker.
• Rob Lawrence - For masterminding the performance and managing to arrive on time despite the clock change.
• Richard Abbott, Fiona & Ian Godwin - For their majestic use of e-mail & mobile phone.
• Brady Burdett - For taking Jez 70 miles away and then having to get him back.
• Steve Sherlock - On tact and diplomacy
• Salmo - for his ability to write complete rubbish.  

3/31/2009 7:34:17 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

HEATHFIELD U14 Season 2008 / 2009 - Detailed Results

Guy's official detailed results for the season are shown in the table below.

DATE	TEAM	RESULT	T(F)	T(A)	SCORERS
05/10/2008	BRIGHTON	(L) 0 – 5	0	1
12/10/2008	Eastbourne	(W) 61 – 5	11	1	Jolliffe(4), Bending, Borg, Ingham, Farrell, Jones, Lloyd, Wardle
19/10/2008	Lewes	(W) 50 – 0	8	-	Jolliffe(4), Borg(2), Jones, Llamas
26/10/2008	CHICHESTER	(W) 21 – 0	3	-	Diplock, Jolliffe, Ross
09/11/2008	Medway	(L) 17 – 36	3	6	Jones, Golding, Jolliffe
16/11/2008	HOVE	(W) 15 – 5	2	1	A.Davies, Ross
23/11/2008	Uckfield	(W) 48 – 0	8	-	Borg(2), Lloyd(2), Diplock, Koops, Dunn, Burdett
14/12/2008	CROWBOROUGH	(W) 12 – 10	2	1	Bending, Jolliffe
18/01/2009	PULBOROUGH	(W) 10 – 5	2	1	Borg, Wardle
01/02/2009	Crawley	(W) 24 – 12	4	2	Jolliffe (4)
22/02/2009	Midhurst	(W) 28 – 10	4	2	Jolliffe, Llamas, Borg, Wrenn
01/03/2009	HAYWARDS HEATH	(L) 14 – 22	2	3	Morris, Burdett
08/03/2009	Lewes	(W) 44 – 5	8	1	Lloyd(2), Golding(2), Borg, Koops, Ross, Wrenn
15/03/2009	EAST GRINSTEAD	(W) 48 – 0	8	-	Jolliffe(2), Bending, Morris, Wrenn, Lloyd, Wardle, Reilly
22/03/2009	Lewes	(W) 20 – 0	4	-	Jolliffe(2), Borg, Lloyd
22/03/2009	Eastbourne	(W) 27 - 0	5	-	Bending(2), Borg, Diplock, Jolliffe
29/03/2009	Saracens	(W) 8 - 7	1	1	Jolliffe
TOTALS			76	20	Jolliffe(22), Borg(10), Lloyd(7), Bending(5), Diplock(3), Golding(3), Jones(3), Ross(3), Wardle(3), Wrenn(3), Burdett(2), Koops(2), Llamas(2), Morris(2), A.Davies, Dunn, Farrell, Ingham, Reilly

 

 

 

Overall Season Results

 

Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Points (F)	Points (A)
17	14	0	3	457	122

 

 

Early bird catches the worm

Heathfield U14   8     Vs.     7    Saracens U14

An early start was needed for this match, the final official match of the U14 season, away to Saracens at their Bramel Road ground in North London. A 10:00 kick-off meant that the squad left Heathfield at the bird twittering time of 07:30 (06:30 in old money as the clocks went forward!!!) for the 1 hour 40 minute trip up north.

Saracens kicked-off and applied instant and constant pressure to a still bleary-eyed Heathfield. It wasn’t really until after about 15 minutes into the match that Heathfield started to properly contest play. However, they did manage to keep the constant Saracens attacks at bay by excellent support and defensive play marshaled superbly by centres Fergus Diplock and Gareth Lloyd. A number of last ditch tackles were made against the Saracens players striving to cross the Heathfield line. Indeed, during the entire first half, Heathfield defended on the backfoot with Saracens crossing the line three times but being prevented from putting the ball down by some excellent smothering tackles.

Heathfields forwards played exceptionally well during this first half against a much heavier and physically more mature Saracens pack winning 2 scrums against the head and a couple of lineouts as well as holding all their own feeds. Heathfields rucking and mauling were also helping to keep them in the game with Heathfield winning a number of turn-overs in the loose. It was from one of these turn-overs deep in the Heathfield half that saw a break by Alex Borg, supported by Lewis Golding take Heathfield into the Saracens half for the first time in the match. Interplay between the front rowers through a number of tackles saw them (with the pack in full support) take the ball into the opposition 22 before the move broke down with illegal hands from Saracens. Harry Reilly teed up and converted as the last kick of the half. So, Heathfield managed to weather the Saracens storm and came away with 3 points to lead at half time, completely against the run of play.

Half Time: Heathfield lead 3 – 0.

The second half started with Heathfield buoyed by their defensive performance and beginning to come more into the game. Indeed, although Saracens still had the majority of the territory and  possession, Heathfield were beginning to make more of an impact in attack. After about 8 minutes, Heathfield again ventured into the Saracens half but this time it was to be the start of a period of good pressure. A scrum on the Saracens 22m was won by Heathfield with a T2 being called. Henry Jolliffe received the ball at pace but found his path blocked. A couple of steps back inside saw him facing a big 2^nd row whom he proceeded to skin on the outside leaving him suddenly in the open with the winger to beat. Again Henry applied the gas and was able to take a couple of tacklers with him to score in the corner. Harry just failed to make the conversion from out wide.

Saracens fluffed the re-start and this, along with the try gave Heathfield the confidence to really start playing some good rugby. However, Saracens still had the majority of the field position and territory. It seemed that every time Heathfield went deep into the Saracens half, a couple of referee decisions meant they were right back where they started, back near their own try-line! Heathfields backs  were still making the breaks and threatening against the general play and on another of these forays into the Saracens half, a concerted effort from the pack close to the line saw Henry Ross cross the line only for the referee to give a 22m drop out to Saracens?

A number of injuries to Heathfield disrupted their play a bit and it was from a Saracens quick penalty that they were able to take the ball wide and finally beat the cover defence. An excellent conversion from wide out meant that a nerve jangling final 10 minutes was to come with the score 8 – 7 to Heathfield.

Thankfully, over these final few minutes, Heathfield were able to maintain their composure and defence with excellent tackles from Louis Chavannes and Dean Pennell on the wings preventing the final pass getting out. The final whistle blew and there was considerable elation and relief from all the Heathfield players (and coaches and parents!).

This was, by some considerable distance, the best defensive performance from Heathfield and is testament to the work and commitment the squad put in on the training paddock and reinforces how miserly this squad are in conceding scores against them.

Well done everyone! Tour to Norwich next week and let’s ensure we keep this level of commitment, enthusiasm and fun throughout the tour.

Final Score: Heathfield win 8 – 7.

 

 

3/29/2009 7:30:25 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Quiz Nite Madness Hits H&WRFC Again!!!

On Friday 17th April The Clubhouse will again be the venue for the next fantastic Quiz Nite.  Hosted by the Junior section of the Club, compared by the Dynamic Duo Helen Goacher and Alison Bending, pencils will need to be sharpened, thinking caps put firmly on and a rallying cry of 'oooohhhh I know this one' at the ready!

Everyone is welcome, the atmosphere is always electric with excitement and anticipation of not being on the bottom of the scoreboard!

To enter your team all you will need is 4-6 players, a silly name, a £20 note, and to notify either your Squad Manager, Helen or Alison.  See Easy!

SEE YOU THERE!!!

3/25/2009 10:18:30 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Colts

Thank you for the very good match yesterday and "bon camaraderieship". I think your lads did well seeing as they played against a much larger squad which probably took its toll towards the end. I hope you all got back OK without mishaps and wish you all the best for the future. We would welcome a return fixture next season if league commitments allow.

3/24/2009 9:37:31 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

TRIANGULAR FIXTURE

Heathfield U14   20     Vs.     0    Lewes U14

Heathfield U14    27      Vs.     0    Eastbourne U14

On another beautiful warm and sunny Sunday morning, Heathfield U14 arrived at Eastbourne for a triangular fixture with Eastbourne and Lewes U14 teams. The format was for shortened games of 15 minutes a half, playing “round-robin”.

Eastbourne and Lewes played the first match with Lewes beating Eastbourne (I think) fairly comfortably although I am unsure of the score.

Heathfield V Lewes

Lewes then played Heathfield with their dander up and looking to avenge their defeats in previous meetings. This match started with Heathfield applying lots of pressure without really creating too much phased play. This was a bit disappointing after the way they played against East Grinstead the previous week. After about 8 minutes, Lewes gave away a series of scrums and penalties close to their line and it was from one of these penalties that Alex Borg was able to crash over for a well earned try. More pressure from the kick off eventually led to a fine mis-pass from Harry Reilly finding Gareth Lloyd taking the ball at pace to outflank his opposite number and score. Both these tries were unconverted.

Half Time: Heathfield lead 10 – 0.

The second half started in much the same vein with a total of five substitutions being made. This did result in the scrum losing some of the strength and guile of the first half but this was made up with good support play in its stead. After about 10 minutes of Heathfield attacking play, with the occasional Lewes foray into the Heathfield half, the ball was re-cycled from a ruck to the backs only to find Will Morris loitering at outside centre. Will proceeded to skin his opposite number on the outside and went storming 40m upfield. It was only an exceptionally brave Lewes tackle that prevented him from making the line himself. However, the ball was extremely well recycled through three more phases to Henry Jolliffe who was able to beat the last tackle to score in the corner. From the kick-off, Heathfield again pressured the Lewes line and an excellent dummy switch with Fergus and Gareth saw Harry pop to Henry who again scored in the corner. Unfortunately, Harry didn’t bring his kicking boots today and all conversions were missed to leave the score at full tome of 20 – 0.

Full Time: Heathfield win 20 – 0.

Heathfield V Eastbourne

The next match was Heathfield against Eastbourne. The Heathfield team that finished the Lewes match started the Eastbourne match and struggled to better a much larger pack. This was unusual for Heathfield who normally manage to dominate most packs in the county so the players really had to work hard. Eastbourne contested scrums and rucks manfully but didn’t really threaten the Heathfield line until a break and some missed tackles saw Eastbourne just kept at by by an excellent try-saving tackle from Fergus. However, the half ended with a penalty to Heathfield about 35m from the Eastbourne line which saw a quick tap, quick recycled ball out to Henry who delayed a long pass extremely well to a drifting Fergus Diplock who was able to round his opponent and race down the line to score. Harry missed the conversion and so half time came up with Heathfield just ahead and the game in the balance.

Half Time: Heathfield lead 5 – 0.

The second half saw a raft of changes to the props, the 2^nd row and centre, and a bit of a rollicking from Jasper the (non-playing) captain saw a distinct mood change from Heathfield. They proceeded to dominate the Eastbourne pack but it took a further 6 minutes before a scrum on the Eastbourne 22m line allowed the backs to use a simple move learnt 10 minutes before the start of play! With the ball won at the scrum, a quick release of the ball to Harry saw him spin a 20m pass, missing both centres to Henry Jolliffe entering the line from fullback at pace in the outside channels. Henry proceeded to speed past the Eastbourne winger before dotting down close to the posts. Harry converted this try.
This seemed to do the trick for Heathfield who now started to play some decent rugby. Alex Borg was the next to score after crashing through a number of tackles when receiving the ball in the line. The forwards had a big say in the next try. From a 3^rd phase ruck the ball was spun out to the backs only to find Alex. Alex took the ball on and drew a number of players to him before passing to Max Ellery with a quick pop to Henry Ross (that was 3 forwards in the packs PASSING THE BALL!!!). An excellent overhead pass from Henry missed Fergus and went to Henry Jolliffe joining the line with the Eastbourne defence shredded. Henry drew the last defender to pass to George Bending to score an excellent and well worked try in the corner.
A similar move followed with what was to be the last play of the day. From a penalty 30m from the Eastbourne line, Heathfield spun the ball quickly down the line. Good confident passing, with Henry Jolliffe making the extra man between the centre and wing saw him draw and give an excellent pass to George Bending on the wing. No one was going to stop George at full pace and indeed he managed to win the race to the line without being touched. An excellent way to close the days play.

Final Score: Heathfield win 27 – 0.

3/23/2009 10:49:16 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

And Finally .......

Heathfield U14   48     Vs.     0    East Grinstead U14

A highly depleted squad of 16 arrived at East Grinstead for their final ‘A’ league match of the season in glorious sunshine and summer-like temperatures. It was a signal for Heathfield to play their best game of sustained pressure of the season against a committed East Grinstead side.

Heathfield started strongly and pressured the EG forwards in the loose, frequently turning over ruck ball which allowed for some very good phased between the forwards and backs. Heathfield won an EG lineout after 5 minutes on the EG 15m line (this was to be a recurrent theme throughout the match). This allowed Will Morris to charge into the heart of the EG midfield. Excellent quick ball freed the ever-present captain Jasper Wrenn who fought strongly to force his way over to score a well deserved try. This seemed to be the catalyst for Heathfield to cut loose and play some very attractive rugby.  The next try came from a scrum win against the head (another feature from the Heathfield pack throughout the match) allowing Fergus Diplock to make an excellent break in midfield. Quick recycled ball through 3 phases eventually saw Henry Jolliffe draw a tackle whilst making a fantastic pass to release George Bending on the wing to score in the corner.

Heathfield continued to play excellent rugby in the opponents half and were continually winning EG scrums and lineouts. Heathfield again won EG lineout ball on their 15m line and drove purposefully for the line. Surges from Will, Lewis Golding, Jasper and Henry Ross eventually saw Jamie Wardle scythe through a disrupted EG defence to score near the posts.
From the kick-off, Heathfield again drove EG back towards their own line. Another scrum win against the head 10m from the EG try-line allowed the excellent Zach Llamas to drive close to the line. The ball was recycled blind for Will Morris to crash over and score.

From the kick-off, Heathfield again pressurized EG with fast moving back play and excellent recycling from the forwards which stretched the home teams defence such that Henry Jolliffe was able to cut inside from fullback to score the fifth try of the half.

Harry Reilly converted 2 tries to leave the score 29 – 0 to Heathfield at half time.

The second half started much as the first left off but to the credit of the EG squad, they never gave in and indeed upped their commitment levels to cause Heathfield a few problems. However, from a scrum in midfield, Fergus received a wide pass from Harry and delayed just enough to draw the defence to pass onto to Gareth Lloyd running an excellent line at pace. Gareth was able to beat the last defender to score a well earned try with Harry Reilly converting.

The next try was arguably the best of the match. A scrum on the EG 22 was won with Harry running a set move for Gareth on the switch. However, the EG defence was taken in and Harry instead dummied to Gareth and was able to step in to score himself. He again converted taking the score to 43 – 0. It was agreed that the league match was ended but we would continue playing to full time.
This period saw EG play their best rugby and they forced Heathfield back to defend their try-line for the next 5 minutes. Heathfield gave away a series of scrums, lineouts and 6 penalties within 10m of their try-line but were able to resist the ferocious attempts of EG to score. Indeed, it was on the last of these penalties that a thumping tackle from Max Ellery forced turnover ball to Heathfield who proceeded to put together phased play to take them back in to the EG half. The remainder of the match was a series of “if only’s”. Brilliant support play from everyone, notably Freddy Jones, meant sweeping moves were sustained which took Heathfield 60 or 70m upfield at a time. It was literally only the final element (knock-on, forward pass or wrong decision) of these moves that prevented Heathfield scoring each time, thus allowing EG to clear their lines. However Heathfield were not to be denied a final try from Henry Jolliffe who again scythed through the EG defence to score his second of the match.

This was easily the best team performance of the season where both forwards and backs linked cohesively with the backs looking dangerous every time they got the ball. Although no official man of the match was made, special mention must go to Jamie Wardle for his tireless support play, aggressive defence and excellent lines of running throughout.

Final score was Heathfield 48, East Grinstead 0 (league result 40 – 0).

3/16/2009 10:47:51 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

50 CLUB LATEST

November 08

£50 M. Baird

£25 C. Hicks

£10 M. Hassall

December 08

£50 S. Wilson

£25 G. Baird

£10 P. Hookway

Januray 09

£50 M. Macleod

£25 P. Wilson

£10 R. Streeter

Febuary 09

£50 M. Hassall

£25 B. Taylor

£10 S. Sherlock

3/15/2009 1:39:56 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

East Grinstead 6 Heathfield & Waldron 20

East Grinstead welcomed high flying Heathfield to their splendidly appointed club on a beautiful spring afternoon. Their welcome was warm, their pre-match hospitality splendid and generous and their pitch was in pristine condition. The atmosphere created by a large crowd from both clubs made for an exciting match between two well matched teams and two clubs who hold a healthy respect for each other.

Heathfield showed what a well knit team they are and camped inside the Grinstead half for most of the first half but the home team responded well to some fast and open play by the visitors and were still well in touch at the end of the first half. Heath opened the scoring when the Greenies won quick possession from a ruck on the Grinstead ten metre line. Lee Vockins went to the blind side and the ball was swiftly fed to Damien Pestell who made a powerful run down the touchline. His strength and pace were too much for the defence which was unable to stop the powerful centre. On a brief excursion into Greeny territory East Grinstead were awarded a penalty which was well taken by their fly half. Matt skinner responded almost immediately with a penalty from n ear the ten metre line and the teams crossed over with Heathfield holding a slender five point lead.

As the wind had strengthened during the first half and as Grinstead had a small advantage in the second half there was a feeling from both sets of supporters that the home side might gain the upper hand in the second period. But hard as they tried to regain the initiative Grinstead constantly hit the excellent defensive system that has served Heathfield so well this season. The tackling of Bryn Jones, Skinner and Pestell in midfield was massive and Heathfield`s young flankers George Leney and Tom Pritchard did not miss a tackle all afternoon. Add to this the tackling of Vockins who must be the bravest tackler in the league and it is easy to understand why the hosts made little progress in the second half. Every time they threatened, Heathfield regained the upper hand with well constructed tries.

The lineout had been a fascinating struggle involving a tall jumper on each side but early in the second half the Grinstead tall man tapped down from a lineout on his own ten  metre line for the evergreen Jim Cummings of Heathfield to gather at pace and charge for the line. Grinstead stemmed the danger but Heath won quick ball and moved it left for Jones to run in an excellent try. Grinstead reduced the deficit with another well taken penalty but then the home team hit the self destruct button when their prop forward was yellow carded for an unnecessarily robust infringement. No one disputed the ref`s decision and a number of seasoned observers were most impressed with his firm but sympathetic handling of the game. Referees regrettably often receive unfair criticism but this game, which was played in the best of spirits benefited by a highly competent performance from the official.

Towards the end of the match both sides made sensible substitutions, none more so than the introduction of one of Heathfied`s players of the season Richard Cooley. His arrival stabilised the set scrum for the visitors and helped them to take charge of the scrummage while Grinstead’s experienced loose head was off the field. Heathfield`s final try was a gem. They won quality turnover ball at a ruck deep into Grinstead’s half and moved the ball sweetly to the left where Tom Sheffield, who had enjoyed an outstanding game, ran in the try near to the posts for Skinner to convert.

This victory was an outstanding one with every member of the match squad playing a part. It was heartening to see skipper Kobe Tonkin back in the fray and he formed a fine second row with Grant Stewart who showed what an asset he is to the team. It was a real team effort supported by the loyal group of club members who so enjoy following this very entertaining team. This coming Saturday the club will support a Heathfield team featuring three generations of club members, the Burdetts, before resuming league business against Charlton Park. The League game kicks off at three pm and the match which is attracting Television crews and maybe a celebrity or two starts at 12.15. Supporters should arrive at midday.

The Man of the Match award was given to George Leney and Coach Jones also gave praise to young Phil Gander who had his first taste of 1stXV rugby when he came on as a sub in the 2nd half. It was a just reward for hard work at training said Jones.

Match report by Mike de St.Croix

Photos by Mark Peake

3/9/2009 10:02:05 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield Boars 15 Haywards Heath 4th’s 29

Haywards Heath had a big, physical and experienced pack and had plenty of pace outside and so it was always going to be a difficult game, therefore the Boars new that they would have to be focused to keep up their push for a second place finish.

The first ten minutes saw Haywards Heath try and impose themselves on the Boars, and using the wind well they kept the pressure on. Eventually returning a loose kick the home team winger broke several sloppy tackles to score the opening try, the conversion was missed [5-0]. The ref was interesting but most of his decisions were going against Haywards Heath so there was no excuse’s there for Heathfield.

Haywards Heath winger causing problems early on...

From the kick off Heathfield managed a spell of pressure for themselves, things were still close but at least Heathfield were competing a little better.  But  another break down the wing and yet more poor tackling let the winger in again for his second try, this time the conversion was made [12-0].

Heathfield were in danger of letting the game slip away and really needed to score next to get back in the game. Kicking the ball into the strong wind wasn’t going to help so Heathfield had to do it on the ground and this they did, with good play through the forwards and then the ball finally going down the backs. Simon Hollingdale managed to find a little space on the wing and before he was tackled dropped a lovely kick behind the defence enabling Pete McEvoy to score in the corner, the conversion was missed [10-5].

Good tackling from KFC and Flinty...

Now several weeks ago Heathfield lost a close game because of their inability to deal with a ref who clearly didn’t know the laws of the game, there is no point in getting upset about it, you just have to deal with it and the team that does this the best usually wins. The same thing was about to happen again and that is probably the most disappointing thing about this match; if Heathfield had kept focused the result might have been different. Losing stand out open side Tony Flint after 20 minutes didn’t help, he was starting to cause problems for the home team and was going to be sorely missed.

Heathfield doing well in the lineouts, which were good all day...

Any quick ball was slowed down cleverly and not too subtly but Haywards Heath, and as frustration built Heathfield lost focus and when you are playing against experienced powerful forwards you just can’t do that and expect to win. Haywards Heath turned up the pressure again and this time after several strong runs from their forwards the inside centre found space to score under the posts from 5 yards out, the conversion was a formality [17-5]. That was the score at the half and Heathfield had a lot to do if they were going to turn things around.

The second half started as the first had finished with Haywards Heath on the attack and it was no surprise when their forwards drove over after a several minutes camped on the Heathfield line to increase the score to [22-5].

Dave Rhodes breaking up the blind side on another of his good runs...

From the kick off a knock on set up a scrum on the Heathfield 10 metre line. It was time to get a quick refresher of the laws from the ref in regard to wheeling the scrum, his comments that “Wheeling the scrum was fine” and “it was up to us to stop it happening” was all we needed. At the next break down after a quick chat about the finer points of scrumming and rucking we finally decided to focus and start playing how the ref wanted us to!! The new simplified game plan was helping the forwards focus on the job in hand and they started to dominate. With the wind behind us and our new game plan in place we gained the opposition 22 and stayed there. A good drive from a lineout and then several strong runs saw Rory Burchett crash over to score, the kick was again difficult and missed [22-10].

Finally good quick ruck ball...

The first thing we noticed with a our new game plan was that opposition didn’t seem to want to lay all over the ball anymore, in fact they complained a little... apparently 4 or 5 strapping lads trundling past you on their way to the ball isn’t much fun! A penalty on the home sides 22 for hands in the ruck was over turned because of our overzealous approach and the pressure was momentarily relieved. But we were focused again now and more strong running from the forwards and backs kept the pressure on and we were soon back in the oppositions half. A nice break from Ian Schlieder and quick ball from the forwards was given to the backs, Ingram passed to Wates who drew in the tacklers before throwing a long pass to put Nick sands away on the outside [I know I’m shamelessly bigging up my part!], Sands got close to the posts but not quite close enough as the conversion was missed again [22-15].

Unfortunately that was the last Tom Ingram would play in the game, having to go off with a rib injury. Luckily, freshly returned from St. Tropez and a modelling assignment, young Will Chipchase was ready to make his senior debut... and whatever anyone says I liked his tights! So moving the experienced Dave Rhodes out to fly half, we had 10 minutes to get another score.

hmmm nice TIGHTS St.Tropez!

Well the effort was finally being put in by Heathfield and with the fresh and skilful Chipchase getting us quick ball we pressured and pressured but just couldn’t break down an excellent Haywards Heath defence. Trying everything we could eventually a mistake was made and up stepped the nippy Haywards Heath winger to score his hatrick with almost the last touch of the game [29-15].

This was a game to learn lesson from and even though it was very disappointing I’m sure we will now concentrate on what we have learnt and use that in the remaining three games to try and get as good a league position as we can.

Man of the Match is a hard one to call this week, especially it was such a disapointing result but there were good performances. Dave Rhodes was as always excellent and so was Will Chipchase when he came on. All the forwards worked hard especially in the later stages, but for his excellent tackling Ian Schlieder gets the Man of the Match award.

Boars Team – M. MacLeod, J. Sharp, R. Burchett, P. Hookway, T. Rose, K. Lewis, Tony Flint [I. Schlieder - 20], S. Cooley,  D. Rhodes, T. Ingram [Will Chipchase - 65], J. Wates, S. Hollingdale, J. Gavor, P. McEvoy, N. Sands.

Match Report by Julian Wates

3/9/2009 8:11:48 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

The Rugby Burdetts

On Saturday, 14th March 2009 history will be made in Sussex.

Three generations from the same family, grandfather, father and son, will take to the field as scrum-half, fly-half and inside-centre representing their local rugby club, Heathfield & Waldron RFC in a local derby with Hellingly RFC.

Back Row, Left to Right: Brian Burdett, Jeremy Burdett and Brady Burdett
Front Row, Left to Right: Leo Burdett and Kieran Burdett

Brian Burdett, aged 68, is the senior member of the trio and Jeremy Burdett the youngest, turning 17 on 1st March. At fly-half, Brady Burdett, aged 45, is the third family member who will take to the field between his father and son.

Rugby is major part of family life for the Burdetts: Jeremy was named by his father after Jeremy Guscott and his brother, Kieran, after Kieran Bracken. They also had a cat named “Rory” after another former England player.

Brian and Brady have been key members of Heathfield & Waldron RFC since the club’s foundation in 1980 and both were members of the same Heathfield team for their first ever match against Seaford.

In the intervening years the Club has progressed into the London South-East divisions and today, with over 500 players, is one of Sussex’s leading clubs. In 2004 this was acknowledged when it was awarded the coveted Sports England Seal of Approval.

3/9/2009 5:34:12 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

A Frolic in the Sunshine

Heathfield U14   44     Vs.     5    Lewes U14

The squad arrived at the Lewes ground to be greeted by blue skies, “fairly” warm temperatures but with a stiff breeze tugging at the corner flags. This match was always going to be of “concern” to the coaches due to the previous league matches and the players involved so it was really good to have a turnout of 20 players.
Heathfield started the match with 2/3rds of the backrow missing and with only the scrum half being in the position played in the previous game, with a completely new back line. Heathfield started strongly and proceeded to play in a similar vein to the previous match against Haywards Heath. The forwards were in commanding form winning most of the contested ball. Excellent running from props Lewis Spencer and Alex Borg (back at prop from his 2 month stint in the backs) with commendable support from Will Morris and Henry Ross kept Lewes on the back foot. This allowed the backs to start moving the ball down the line and it was from one of these moves that Gareth Lloyd was able beat a couple of tackles and dot the ball down with Harry Reilly converting.
From the kick-off Heathfield took the ball rapidly back into the Lewes half and from a scrum against the head the ball again went down the backline to Gareth who was able to commit a number of tacklers. From the ensuing ruck, Lewis Golding picked up well to drive into the corner to score an unconverted try.
The third try of the day was from a very similar series of events. Great forward play released the backs who committed tacklers before releasing the ball for driving forward play where Henry Ross was able to pick-up and drive over the line for Harry to convert.
Again from the kick-off, Kieran Burdett fed Will Morris on a charge. The recycled ball went to Greg Pearce who galloped 35 metres up the touch-line only to be tackled when seemingly clear. The ball was recycled a couple of times before getting to Gareth who managed to evade a number of tackles in scoring his second of the day. This brought up the half-time whistle.

Half-Time: 24 – 0 to Heathfield.

In the second half, Heathfield made a number of changes which seemed to upset the command of the forwards and the change to both centers certainly disrupted the back-play. Indeed, it was the change to the centers after 5 minutes that allowed Lewes to break through some weak tackling there and score in the corner. This spurred on the Lewes side which proceeded to play their best rugby for the next 5 minutes, threatening the Heathfield line on a number of occasions. However, Heathfield maintained their discipline and weathered the storm with Harry Reilly beginning to join the line from full-back with much more effect.
After about 10 minutes, a series of rucks and excellent driving play saw Alex Borg break through to score. This was followed a few minutes later when Heathfield managed to turn over ball from a Lewes penalty. A series of drives saw captain Jasper Wrenn receive the ball in the line where he proceeded to show a good turn of speed in an arcing run to beat the covering defence and score in the corner.
Lewis Golding kept up his excellent work-rate and scored his second in the same corner as Jasper after some quick hands saw him receive the ball out wide to again beat the cover defence.
The final try, and the best team try, fell to Jack Koops after some (again) excellent work from the forwards. Great hands from both backs and forwards, brilliant ball retention and support play meant that when Jack received the scoring pass there were actually 4 other players, two of them forwards, who could have taken that pass to score.

Final score was Heathfield 44, Lewes 5.

3/9/2009 10:16:22 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)