Heathfield & Waldron III 14 - Uckfield II 22

Heathfield 3rds entertained Uckfield 2nd team in the first round of the Sussex vase on Saturday. Both sides travelled down to the Waldron pitch and Heathfield elected to play up hill in the first half. It’s such a well used cliché that I hate to use it, (probably borrowed from football too – which is even worse) but this really was a game of two halves. How much of that was dictated from the Waldron slope and how much was down to the players was up for debate in the club house after the game.

Either way Uckfield started well. They were clearly a well organised unit and their fly half (who had an excellent game) had a good boot that kept Heathfield at the base of the slope for most of the first quarter. Heathfield in contrast were slow to get going but more disappointedly started missing tackles in the centre of the park. Consequently the wider defence was sucked in leaving superior numbers out wide which the travelling side used to great effect. Two tries and a penalty later and Heathfield were giving themselves a mountain to climb already 0-17 down.

Just when the home side thought things couldn’t get any worse their fly half was sent to the sin bin for repeated infringement and greenies were now fighting with fourteen men for ten minutes. Consequently another try was scored by Uckfield and the game looked lost.

However with six minutes to go of the first half there was then a long stoppage when an Uckfield centre was injured with a suspected broken leg and an ambulance was called. Best wishes to the player who was stretchered off. This break in play (sorry) seamed to flick a switch with the home side and from the restart they were like a different team. The rucking improved and because of this so did Heathfield’s possession and the backs with ball in hand started to look dangerous. It was hard to believe at times it was Heathfield that still only had fourteen men and a couple of times Heathfield worried the Uckfield try line only to be held up short.

As the teams turned around at half, the home side continued with this pressure and good possession generated by the forwards. Some crisp passing from Will Chipchase found Ben Cox determined to make up for his first half discretion and he duly started distributing the ball well and the backs then started hitting some better lines. Heathfield were sad to loose Nick “furry” Evans (who had been playing with his usual aggression and ferocity) to injury just inside the second half, but his replacement Will Greaves played fantastically for the rest of the half and seamed to have the upper hand over his man in the scrum which was much better down the hill. Kenny Lewis also made a big impact when he came on and lifted the tempo and the aggression level.

Tackling like a man possessed (as always) Julian “I have used my only good kick of the season two weeks ago so this kick is borrowed from next season” Wates demonstrated he is not all brawn with a lovely chip over the defence to the corner. From this position, Ian Schlieder managed to scurry over the try line for what looked like a score only to be pulled back for offside.

Greenies heads were now up though and Greg Kneller, who was starting to look lively around the park, intercepted a stray Uckfield pass just inside Heathfield’s half and the chase was on for the line. The prop had the legs over several Uckfield backs and scored an excellent try. Ben Cox duly converted.

Heathfield continued to use their numerous subs to give the side some fresh legs and the players that came on stepped up well and showed that this side is made up of a squad not just the starting fifteen. Tom Keylock was lively at scrum half and Ashley Sutton had some good runs in particular.

The basics were now putting Heathfield in control of the game. Good rucking, good tackling and pressure on their opposite numbers stopped Uckfield dictating how they wanted to play. The tempo was increased and this quicker ball was putting players in space and Heathfield’s second try came from out wide with good running from Pete Snow and Mike Shallcross who put Tom Gooders in for the try in the corner. He had the sense to run between the sticks making the conversion easier and Mike Shallcross just about slotted the extra two points.

Uckfield looked worried and the home support fancied an upset but it sadly wasn’t to be. The poor first half had left just too big a mountain to climb and despite some excellent fight to the end, Heathfield were unable to score any more points.

Credit to league leaders Uckfield 2nd’s who held on for the win and demonstrated what a well structured and drilled side they are and who also played the game with great sportsmanship. Heathfield 3rd team must take heart from their second half performance and work on producing that intensity for eighty minutes but they did demonstrate that when they play as a team at a quick tempo they are a dangerous side with excellent potential for the rest of the season.

Man of the match could have gone to Julian Wates for his aggression in defence and leadership on the pitch, Sam Cooley was also a handful at the base of the scrum and in the loose and had an excellent game. But for his second half performance, lifting the tempo of the side and a super try this week it was Greg Kneller that got the award.

An extra thank you should go to Mike Mucloud for stepping up to referee the game when the scheduled referee was late due to confusion over kick off times.

Match report by Simon Hollingdale

Team:  Greg Kneller, Chris Ambrasino, Nick Evans, (Will Greaves - 35), Mike Dilley, (Lloyd Panel - 60), Ian Schlieder, (Billy Hickson – 70), Rhys Evans (Kenny Lewis – 40), Tom Ralph, Sam Cooley, Will Chipchase, (Tom Keylock - 50), Ben Cox, (Pete Snow – 50), Julian Wates, Charlie Jones, Mike Shallcross, Josh Pitman, (Ashley Sutton - 60), Tom Gooders.

11/2/2009 8:54:46 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield & Waldron II 3 - Chichester II 12

Heathfield unlucky in the Cup

The rain held off this week for Heathfield II, playing at home in front of a crowd against Chichester II for a Cup game.

The first few minutes provided a great deal of entertainment, with both sides exerting pressure on each other. A handling error by Chichester gave Heathfield a brief advantage, but Chichester worked together well and overcame the backs to score a try in the bottom right corner, although they missed the conversion: 0-5.

Heathfield came together in response, focusing on their discipline and regaining their confidence. Some brilliant runs by Leon Collen and great play by Chris English gave Heathfield a much needed boost, but unfortunately they failed to break through Chichester’s defence.
The second forty minutes saw Heathfield’s scrum half take a big hit, forcing him off with concussion. Even with this blow Heathfield’s scrum proved superior with numerous balls won against the head by hooker Chris Jones.

With pressure mounting, a slip by Chichester allowed Heathfield to pile on the pressure. This earned them a penalty, kicked by English:3-5.

Throughout the game the Heathfield forwards looked dominant but it seemed the Chichester backs had the overall advantage, spreading the ball wide before cutting back inside to score a try near the posts, making it an easy conversion for Chichester’s fly half, with ten minutes remaining: 12-3.

Overall, Heathfield’s discipline has improved and the first half of this match saw them play their best rugby this season. Hopefully this will stand them in good stead for the other forthcoming league games.

Match report By Rebecca White

11/2/2009 8:17:43 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

That's better!

11/1/2009 10:54:07 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield & Waldron U16 37 - Eastbourne U16 17

Heathfield Under 16s continued their impressive form with a fine victory over a well organised Eastbourne. The visitors started brightly using the advantage of the windy conditions to pin the home side back in their own half for the first ten minutes with some strong pressing play which led to an opening score from the combined efforts of the Eastbourne back row.

This stirred the home side and some good handling in the Heathfield backs gave winger Joe Hastings a chance to show his speed and guile with two blistering runs, the second of which was well supported at the breakdown by the forwards and enabled No. 8 David Bayly to crash over and level the scores.

Heathfield were then able to get back to their game plan and with the forwards gaining control the game turned back to Heathfield. David Vater spotted an excellent running line from the base of a ruck on the 22 to score his first try for the club.

 The game was still evenly poised at half time and Heathfield knew they had to raise the game further to counter Eastbourne's fightback, and as expected Eastbourne took the game to the homne side pressing for an equalising score. Dogged defence and strong counter rucking by Reece Webb, James Morrell and David Bayly kept the visitors out and as they pressed Charlie Watson seized on a misplaced Eastbourne pass inside his own 22, broke free of the tacklers and coolly chipped the advancing full back to score a pitch length interception try.

At this point the home side relaxed and started to play with the cohesion seen in previous games. Powerful inside centre Toby Warren was a constant threat to the Eastbourne midfield and would surely have scored on three occasions but for the heroic last ditch tackling of the Eastbourne full back. As the home side dominated David Vater capped a fine display with two more tries, followed by a blistering 30 metre run to score beneath the posts by Joe Hastings.

 Heathfield relaxed a little too much from this point and Eastbourne brought respectability to the score by adding two tries of their own, but by then the hard work spent through the summer on fitness saw Heathfield dominate the final exchanges, leading to well earned try for Mitch Gadd who returned to the squad for the first time this season.

Good individual performances were evident across the squad, most notably from Will Maltby and James Morrell who were both excellent in broken play. Oscar Lacey was industrious at scrum half and Robert Taylor enjoyed a solid game on the wing. Newcomer Shawn Roys made a very confident debut at full back and David Bayly was once again supreme in his workload and commitment. However, the man of the match award went to Reece Webb who proved to be a solid wall in defence and performed all the hard, often unseen work in the rucks and mauls to secure possession.

10/26/2009 10:07:46 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Edenbridge U13’s 0 Heathfield & Waldron U13’s 22

Carr and Laroche show Heathfield have ‘the edge’.

Heathfield U13’s travelled to a blustery Edenbridge this Sunday to start their league campaign.  Heathfield hadn’t played Edenbridge for three years when they narrowly lost to them on a tour friendly, so were unsure of their opposition.  Edenbridge won the toss and from the kick off Heathfield dominated the territory and possession.  Woods showed early promise with two runs in space from left wing.

Parsons playing at openside flanker was active very early on, ripping the ball from a maul and linking with Carr who quickly got on the score sheet. For the next few minutes Heathfield camped on Edenbridge’s line with a series of scrums but failed to capitalise on the possession. Taylor at scrum half crossed the line only to have a try deemed to be held up, and seconds later Geldart at no 8 did the same – Edenbridge managing to hold that up too!  It was Parsons again who from speedy work in the loose set up inside centre Benians to crash through for the second score.

Just before half time Ross at outside centre made a great break and linking with Carr for the Captain’s second try of the day, making sure he got under the posts so that Ross could convert the score.

The second half was a scrappy affair and Heathfield had much less possession to a fired up Edenbridge.  Defence was very strong from a depleted Heathfield side with Ross and Sweetman putting in some excellent tackling work. Paul had a trade mark marauding run from the breakdown, and Burdett looking like a chip off the old block linked well with a scissors move in the centre nearly breaking the gain line. The last score of the game came from Carr and Laroche linking on the left wing with new boy Laroche showing a great deal of pace and flair to run from his own half to score for the greenies. Laroche shows huge promise and natural pace.

Squad:  Paul, Osman, Baird, Sutton, Baker, Sweetman, McGavey, Geldart, Macleod, Taylor, Parsons, Benians, Ross, Woods, Burdett, Lacey, Cuming, Michael, Pantrey, Carr, Groves, Woods.

10/25/2009 9:24:53 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield & Waldron III 27 - Hasting & Bexhill II 0

Heathfield and Waldron 3rd team faced another strong side this week in the shape of Hasting and Bexhill 2nds. The rain lashed down and the wind gusted whilst the teams warmed up and it was clear that this game was going to be about who controlled the possession and coped with the conditions best.

The Heathfield pack certainly didn’t disappoint and from the first kick of the match dominated their opposition. Whilst the line out was unpredictable with the strong wind the home side were much sharper to stray line out balls and for the majority of the time secured good ball for the backs to run with. The Scrum was a totally one sided affair. On Hastings put in Heathfield wielded them through ninety degrees or shoved them off for almost all of the game. On their own put in they gained good yards on many occasions from driving the scrum forward. At best Hastings were forced to hook the ball quickly out giving their scrum half loose ball and totally ruining any chance their backs had of a good platform. Great credit must go in particular to the front row of Will Greaves, Chris Ambrosino and Nick Evans but also the other forwards packing down as again Heathfield demonstrated how a good scrum can not only provide a great platform but also knacker out the opposition forwards who constantly have to cope with the additional pressure.

Continued Heathfield forward dominance and some excellent kicking from Tom Ingram at fly half ensured Heathfield played most of the game in the away team’s half and the first points came from a penalty duly slotted over by full back Tom Gooders from in front of the posts.

The rain dried up but the conditions were still very wet and this could have been a contributing factor to the numerous handling errors from both sides but mainly Heathfield with their superior possession. On several occasions however scoring opportunities went begging from silly mistakes or wild passes which was frustrating.

When the team did get it right, they played some excellent rugby though and Heathfield’s first try was brilliantly executed. Tom Ingram controlled his back line and his forwards well throughout the game and linked the two together well for the score. The forwards provided a great platform and sucked in the Hastings’s defence and then the back line moved the ball well, each player drawing their man and then unselfishly passing down the line to create an overlap. Josh Pitman on the wing, who looked lively throughout, ended the move in the same fashion popping to full back Tom Gooders who handed off the last defender and scored.

Heathfield were clearly on top now and a second try quickly followed. Again from superb scrumaging a penalty was awarded to the attacking side. A quick tap and an excellent drive from the ever present Ian Jenkins left space out wide for the backs again and the ball found it’s way down the line to Tom Gooders just inside the Hastings half. A great run from the full back saw him beat several covering tackles and score. He then stepped up to convert his own try and Heathfield turned round at half time in control of the score board and the game.

Hastings defended stoutly in the second half and made it very difficult for Heathfield to break them down but the conditions dictated a lot of scrums and this constant scrumaging was taking its toll. Heathfield put a number of good plays together off loading to support runners and moving the point of contact and then a storming run from Ian Schlieder through several tackles enabled the pack to push the away side back over their try line and Nick “furry” Evans burrowed the ball down to score. Tom Gooders again converted.

The final try of the game, sealing the win for the home side, was probably the best executed. The forwards provided the platform but the backs made the score by again drawing the man and passing down the line for Josh Pitman to deservedly squeeze over in the corner.

A great win for Heathfield 27-0 and this now sets the team up for possibly its toughest game of the season against league leaders Uckfield next week. The team must look to cut out the silly errors and stray passes, but if the forwards can ruck and secure good ball like they did this week and if the backs can draw and pass unselfishly, that created two tries this week, the home side has every chance. 

Man the match could well have gone to a forward for their excellent dominance up front. Ian Jenkins and Rhys Evans were both strong in attack and ferocious in defence. In the backs Tom Ingram bossed the game well but for scoring two tries, kicking most of his chances at goal and fielding some awkward kicks brilliantly in wet and windy conditions Tom Godders was this week’s choice.

Match report by Simon Hollingdale

Team:  Will Greaves, Chris Ambrasino, Nick Evans, (Mike Powderly – 70), Ian Schlieder, Kenny Lewis, Rhys Evans, Tom Ralph, Ian Jenkins, Will Chipchase, Tom Ingram, Julian Wates, Tom Keylock, Alex Langdon, (Ashley Sutton – 60) Josh Pitman, Tom Gooders.

10/24/2009 5:45:25 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Old Gravesendians 17 Heathfield & Waldron 28

Another win and Heathfield are still top of London SEIII on points difference.  Heathfield has not played Old Gravesendians before so the considerable slope on the pitch was a surprise. The home team won the toss and chose to play uphill initially.  However the kickoff was dropped which allowed Heathfield to establish a good position and make repeated attacks from close range.  These soon led to Sam Thewlis touching down on the right wing and Sam Goatcher converting impressively (0-7).  Goatcher was making his first appearance for the first team in a league match and had a generally decent game, especially with his place kicking which was excellent.

Old Gravesendians are not having a good season with just one win to date and they were short of several first choice players.  However they contested fiercely throughout the match and their heads did not drop at this early score.  Indeed they managed several visits to Heathfield’s half, collecting two kickable penalties, converting the second (3-7).  At this point Rob Lawrence had to leave the field with a damaged finger and was replaced by Ollie Smith.  Also Will Drinkwater came on for an injured Damien Pestell thus requiring more reorganisation in the backs.

Heathfield generally had an edge in the scrum but lineouts were even and the stiff breeze made throwing in a thankless task.

Most of the play was in the home team half and Heathfield were able to build up some momentum in their forward drives with Smith noted making some excellent carries. From a ruck in front of the posts a switch saw Thewlis eluding several defenders and putting Chris Watton, loitering on the wing, in for a try near the left hand corner, again converted by Goatcher (3-14).

The home team again retaliated by climbing the hill but missed a penalty chance and a swift break out ended in a maul in front of the posts at the other end from which Richard Cooley, who had yet another fine all round game, claimed a well-deserved try (3-21).

The clouds had rolled away by half time so Heathfield now had to play up the hill almost directly into the sun.  The home team clearly felt that they were very much in the match and some hard fought exchanges resulted in Bruce Pestell being yellow-carded for some hand-bagging. Old Gs managed to score one converted try while he was off when a Heathfield drive out of defence lost control of the ball (10-21).

However for most of this half the green defence proved adequate and the forwards gained many yards driving up the hill.  On at least two occasions a loss of control allowed an Old G boot to fly hack the ball back down the hill and the process had to start again.

With about ten minutes to go home team pressure resulted in another converted try (17-21) and the result looked in doubt.  However a well-timed pass by Goatcher allowed Seb Jones to break some tackles and his pace produced the definitive score under the posts (17-28).  In spite of his card, Pestell was the man of the match for his huge contribution all over the pitch.

Heathfield are still top of the league but some forthcoming matches look difficult.  Next Saturday they travel to Ellingham and Ringwood in Hampshire for a tricky Senior Vase cup match (2.30pm).

10/24/2009 8:48:37 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

St.Frances 17 - Heathfield & Waldron II 12

The game between Heathfield and St Francis got under way in wet and windy conditions in Crawley. Aggressive play by St Francis forwards meant that numerous attacks resulted in a try, although they failed to convert. Heathfield then conceded two penalties. To make matters worse, scrum half Mike Jaques took a huge hit and was forced to come off. The score at half time was 11-0 to St Francis, with Heathfield down to 14 men.

Minutes into the second half St Francis scored again, with the forward easily penetrating the Heathfield defence. It was time for Heathfield to come back and playing into a strong head wind, the backs knew it was all or nothing. Heathfield went on the offensive, turning numerous ball over. Brilliant passing created opportunities, which allowed a tight cutting, straight running Joe Reilly to score an outstanding try from the 10 metre line.

Heathfield continued to play the better rugby. In the last few minutes Olly Robertshaw stretched over the line for a try, bringing the score to 17-12 to St Francis.

They may have lost, but Heathfield learnt a great deal about what they can achieve with their backs against the wall. Hopes are high for a win with a cup game against Chichester II next week.

10/24/2009 8:45:27 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Same old story!

10/20/2009 4:24:08 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield & Waldron II 29 - Shoreham I 26

The game was played at Waldron in excellent conditions and Shoreham had first use of the slope. Initially Heathfield made some handling errors but fought successfully to reach Shoreham’s twenty-two. However the visitors counterattacked and scored after seven minutes. Heathfield promptly responded with effective handling along the line, and Davies slammed down a try, converted by Goatcher.

Heathfield needed to stamp authority on the game, but attempted tries were blocked and the half-time score remained at 7-5 to Heathfield. 

In the second half with the benefit of the hill Heathfield forwards kept possession for numerous phases, soon allowing Tim Evans to score another five points.

Levi Willis then received the ball, offloading to the backs and seizing the ball again for a well worked try. Shoreham responded with a try and conversion, bringing the score to 17-12.

Willis soon struck again with another try converted by Goatcher. Shoreham battled hard but the Heathfield forwards were away and Davies demolished the defence to score minutes before the final whistle.

At 29-12 Heathfield looked victorious, but Shoreham spotted an opening, scoring and converting two tries.  In the nail biting final seconds Heathfield were only three points clear but they held on for a hard fought and difficult result.

10/17/2009 6:33:51 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield & Waldron 17 Brighton 10

A game of two halves!

The cliché certainly applies here as in front of a sizeable crowd Brighton played excellent rugby to lead the home team by ten points at half time.  In the second half Heathfield collected three tries by sticking to their strengths and game plan, running out worthy but close winners.  Heathfield may be leading London SEIII on points difference but have only played one of the five clubs just behind them in the table so there are tougher games to come.

Both sides started brightly with ambitious open play. Brighton have an impressive set of three-quarters whose size and pace is complemented by accurate and lengthy passing, creating space out wide.  Heathfield’s normally excellent defence was repeatedly stretched in the first half and some desperate tackling was needed.  One good attack by Brighton was just halted in front of the posts but an infringement at the breakdown allowed them to open the scoring with a penalty (0-3).

After twenty minutes another visitors’ attack looked to be breaking down when they chipped ahead but a wicked bounce wrong-footed the defence and a try under the posts resulted (0-10). 

Brighton were having the better of the lineout, especially through their captain and flanker who looked a high-class player, although Heathfield were putting pressure on the visitors’ scrum – credits to Chris Watton, Rob Lawrence and Richard Cooley. Lawrence and Cooley in particular had excellent all round games.

Reportedly Heathfield coach Dave Jones expressed himself forcefully at half time, reminding the team of the specific style of play rehearsed in training during the week.  The first score in the second half was going to be crucial.  Gradually Heathfield began to impose repeated driving in the forwards, establishing good position in the visitors’ 22 where a secure scrummage allowed Simon Wilson to break the gain line in the midfield. Quick ball saw a mass of green shirts on the blindside and Matt Skinner claimed a morale boosting try. (5-10)

A large Brighton second row had to be replaced though injury and this will not have helped their combating of Heathfield’s forward attacks. A few minutes later continuing pressure in the Brighton half produced a Heathfield penalty which was kicked to the corner where a catch and drive looked a good option.  The defence proved equal to this but from the ensuing breakdown Bryn Jones delivered a well-timed run to bring the scores level (10-10).

With the result very much in the balance Brighton still looked dangerous when they did gain possession but just missed a penalty attempt on one of their relatively rare visits to the Heathfield half.  However most of the game was being played at the other end.  Wilson now capped an imposing second-half performance with a fine try in the right hand corner which also involved a late and high tackle on him by the Brighton No 8 who was yellow-carded (17-10).  Both teams afterwards rated the referee highly.

The last few minutes were tense and Brighton were pressing at the end.  Sadly Jones suffered a broken arm just before full time so reorganisation will be needed for Heathfield’s visit to Old Gravesendians next Saturday (24th October 3pm).

10/17/2009 6:32:46 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield & Waldron III 12 - Haywards Heath IV 5

Heathfield 3rd team travelled to Haywards Heath on Saturday for a friendly game arranged in the absence of a league game this week. Sadly Haywards Heath’s fourth team had recently dropped out of Heathfield’s league but the home side fielded a team with plenty of numbers and a well matched and competitive game ensued.

With a few of their regular side absent and two players dropping out at the last minute Heathfield travelled with just fifteen but the game gave the side a chance to work on several key areas of their play and as ever the home side asked a few questions of the visitors themselves.

In the first half, playing slightly up hill and into the wind, the Heathfield forwards battled well against a bulky and physical eight from Haywards Heath. The scrum wasn’t going great but again at line out, greenies often nicked or disrupted the home side’s ball. Heathfield looked the more dangerous team but lacked a bit of execution and on a couple of occasions when they had numbers wide, picked the wrong option and ran it back into the hands of the home side’s defence. Tom Keylock at scrum half was playing well and making a nuisance of himself around the base of the scrum and he also made a couple of great breaks only to miss the support runners when a try looked certain. Rhys Evans and Nick “furry” Evans also made some good carries and Ian Schlieder was very vocal and looking to get involved whenever possible.

A nice interchange between Kenny Lewes and Chris Ambrosino at the front of the line out nearly gave Heathfield the first score only for the ball to get knocked on at the last minute.

The home side’s defence continued to hold firm and as the half wore on Heathfield began to play more and more into the hands of the opposition pack, allowing them to slow the ball down and break any rhythm that Heathfield were trying to generate. To compound matters further Heathfield were starting to miss a few tackles and Haywards Heath sensed a chance which they duly took. Overpowering Heathfield’s scrum on their own put in, the home side spread the ball and several missed tackles allowed them in for a try with the last play of the half.

A quick reminder at half time about the game Heathfield were trying to play was all it needed and the second half was a much different affair. The rucking improved and the forwards began to take charge providing quicker ball for the backs to use. Tom Ingram moved to fly half and began to boss his forward pack and scrum half well. Tom Gooders and Peter Snow made some excellent ground and were unlucky not to score. Some good kicking out of hand, particularly a nice chip from Julian “there goes my only good kick of the season” Wates, used the wind and slight slope to Heathfield’s advantage and more often than not made sure the action was in the opposition half. Chris Ambrosino took charge well on a couple of occasions at the breakdown and Tom Ralph was his ever tenacious self in defence but also carried well when Heathfield were on the attack.

Finally the deadlock broke and Heathfield’s pressure told. Holding their own this time at the scrum, which improved massively in the second half, a succession of forward drives finally saw Ian Schlieder crash over from close range. Unfortunately the conversion was missed but the score was now level 5-5.

Whilst Haywards Heath defended stoutly through the second half they didn’t get much opportunity to attack aside from a couple of breaks where Heathfield again, uncharacteristically for this season, missed tackles. A penalty was awarded Heathfield’s way after one of these breaks and Ben Cox launched a superb kick almost the length of the field to give the travelling side an attacking line out ten yards from their oppositions try line. Again good ball was won and more good forward work with a nice drive from Jamie Ward-Smith saw Tom Ralph just held up short. The support was on his shoulder though and Rhys Evans was on hand to scurry over for the winning try. Ben Cox duly converted to give a deserved final score of 5-12 to Heathfield.

Heathfield lost this fixture last season because they did not control the break down and allowed the opposition to slow the ball down. Whilst not perfect, this game demonstrated the rewards that can come from strong rucking and secure attacking ball.

Whilst the backs played well together and enjoyed a lot more possession than in previous weeks, man of the match had to go to a forward for providing this possession in the first place. Rhys Evans made a good case for his all round effort, Nick “Furry” Evans was also a handful around the park and Mike Brown played well in the pack first half and then battled on superbly, despite an injury, to ensure Heathfield had fifteen men to the end. However this week’s man of the match goes to Ian Schlieder not only for scoring the first try and his all round involvement but also for his vocal direction in the second half that helped guide the team in the right way.  

Match report by Simon Hollingdale

Team:  Chris Ambrosino, Rhys Evans, Nick Evans, Mike Dilley, Kenny Lewis, Ian Schlieder, Tom Ralph, Mike Brown, Tom Keylock, Ben Cox, Julian Wates, Tom Ingram, Peter Snow, Jamie Ward-Smith, Tom Gooders. 

10/17/2009 6:28:48 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield & Waldron III 7 - Crowborough II 11

Heathfield 3rd team faced probably their strongest opposition this season thus far on Saturday in their next Sussex 2 league game. Aside from their pink kit Crowborough second team came to Waldron looking organised and well equipped and it was clear from the kick off this game was going to be a well contested affair.

From the first drop out Heathfield forwards streamed down the Waldron slope and pressured Crowborough at the breakdown. It looked like the home side were up for this game but then from broken play they lost their shape in defence and against the run of play Crowborough shipped the ball wide quickly to score in the corner. It felt like a case of déjà vu having been in exactly the same position the week before and this is surly something the greenies will have to work on in future games. The conversion was missed leaving the score 0-5.

Both sides battled on in what was looking like a very even contest. Both sets of backs look dangerous but neither forward packs could stamp their authority on the game and both sides struggled for possession to move the ball wide. The breakdown was looking more and more like the area the game would be won or lost and both sides felt hard done by refereeing decisions in this area.

The home side were edging it in the line outs and some good kicking from Tom Ingram put Heathfield in some great attacking positions. Crowborough on the other hand started to dominate at scrum time and won several key balls against the head when Heathfield were in the away sides 22 and looking to make the pressure tell. Eventually the home side got the break they deserved and Tom Ingram made a neat dart through the defence before being taken down close to the line. The ball was turned over but a good tackle from Charlie Jones and super rucking from Julian Wates gave Heathfield back the ball for Tom Ralph to crass over between the posts. Mike Shallcross kicked the conversion and Heathfield were in front 7-5 but with the Waldron slope against them in the second half.

Crowborough came out in the second half buoyed by playing down hill but more impotently they made better decisions at the break down which in turn gave them more possession. Too often the first Heathfield forward would pick the ball up and get isolated rather than rucking the opposition away. Having said this, defence is something Heathfield 3rd team have begun to take pride in and that certainly was the case in the second half. There were some crushing tackles from Captain Julian Wates at centre, Nick “Furry” Evans at prop and Josh Pitman at scrum half to single out a few but every player stepped up and made their tackles count.

Again the breakdown and interpretation of the rules by the referee were proving key and several penalties in Crowborough’s favour eventually yielded 3 points and the lead to the away team 7-8.

To be fair to Crowborough, they should have scored a try shortly after this when their wing was clean through but had to pull up sharply with a hamstring problem with five metres to go which enabled the covering tackle to be made. They also missed a very kickable penalty in front of the posts and you just felt the luck was with the home side and they could still win this game.

With time running out and still only one point in it, Heathfield found themselves with a penalty just inside the opposition half and a chance for the lead. Ben Cox stepped up to have a go but sadly narrowly missed the uprights with an excellent drop goal effort.

The final score of the game was from yet another Crowborough penalty in front of the posts to seal the win 7-11. Heathfield battled till the final whistle but it wasn’t to be.

A mention must go to Greg Kneller who had an excellent game but the Heathfield man of the match went to Mike Dilley who has successfully played better and better each game this season and had a fine performance all round.

On reflection whilst the home side might be disappointed to loose to such a small margin, every credit should be taken for a superb effort from all their players. Bearing in mind they were playing a well drilled 2nd team that train every week and whose first team play in the lower London leagues, Heathfield 3rds can move on from this game knowing that as they play (and hopefully train!!!!) more and more together that small margin can easily be turned around.

Match report by Simon Hollingdale

Team:  Greg Kneller, Chris Ambrasino, Nick Evans, Mike Dilley, Kenny Lewis,  Mike Brown, (Jamie Ward-Smith – 10), (Jono Sharp – 70) Sam Cooley, Tom Ralph, Josh Pitman, (Ben Cox – 60) Tom Ingram, Julian Wates, Charlie Jones, Billy Hickson, Mike Shallcross, Tom Gooders.

10/10/2009 6:25:16 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)