Uckfield II 17 - Heathfield & Waldron III 41

Heathfield 3rd team travelled to play Uckfield 2nds in a top of the league clash on Saturday with both sides desperate to secure an advantage before Christmas.

Uckfield 2nds were unable to field a front row from the start of the game and whilst the ten point advantage was some conciliation, the travelling side were disappointed to see Uckfield 3rd team playing on an adjacent pitch with a scrum.

Without the need for larger stronger forwards, Uckfield filled their side with lots of young fit players and the question was going to be could Heathfield contain these runners and then impose their game on the opposition.

The match started at a tempo and Uckfield were soon pressuring the Heathfield line. Some good tackling and counter rucking, particularly from Rob Streeter and Chris Ambrosino, held the home side but Heathfield failed to put boot to ball on several occasions, inviting more pressure. Somewhat against the run of play Heathfield spotted an overlap in their own twenty two and some quick passing down the line found Ashley Sutton, on the wing in space and he duly engaged the afterburners for a superb solo try. Tom Gooders converted to make it 0-17 to Heathfield.

Uckfield came back even stronger and soon were on the score sheet themselves with some excellent offloading rugby that Heathfield found hard to contain. 5-17.

But again the travelling side spotted a miss match out wide and again some excellent hands, drawing the player and passing, especially from Tom Gooders, put Ashley Sutton in for his second. The winger still had plenty to do but a lovely step inside the covering defence gave him the score. The conversion was missed. 5-22.

The final score of the half came from Uckfield who were playing some really good rugby but were handed a try when yet again Heathfield failed to clear their lines and a silly turnover was punished with a score under the posts. The conversion followed leaving the score at half time 12-22 with everything still to play for.

Thankfully it was Heathfield that came out the stronger in the second half. Nick Seddon moved from centre to the flank and was outstanding in the second half. His replacement James Usherwood injected some extra pace out wide and Kenny Lewis and Mike Brown came on to give the team some fresh legs and both played well.

The changes produced more points as James Usherwood took a great line to outpace the defence and score in the corner and then the forwards used the rolling maul to great effect against the lighter Uckfield pack to drive over the line for Mike Brown to touch down. One conversion was kicked and one missed by Gooders but the game now looked secure. 12-34.

The icing on the cake came when again Heathfield produced some slick passing and James Usherwood put Ashley Sutton in space and again the winger’s pace from the half way line was too much for the defence and he secured his hat trick. Tom Gooders converted 12-41.

Uckfield came back with a good conciliation try again using their young runners and off loading well but it was too little to late and Heathfield secured the win 17-41.

Man of the match could have gone to Nick Evans who was aggressive and tackled superbly throughout, Nick Seddon also made a case for his second half performance and a mention must be made for him playing on with a broken nose after 5 minutes and then being taken to Hospital from the last play with a nasty head cut sustained in a committed tackle. However, for his hat trick performance scoring three great tries, this week it has to go to Ashley Sutton.

Match report by Simon Hollingdale

Team: Mike Powderly, (James Usherwood – 40), Chris Ambrosino, Nick Evans, Mike Dilley, (Kenny Lewis – 50), John Parsons, Rob Streeter, Ian Schlieder, (Matt Overy – 65), Tom Ralph, (Mike Brown – 50), Tom Keylock, Tom Ingram, Julian Wates, Nick Seddon, Ashley Sutton, Mike Shallcross, (Peter Snow – 70), Tom Gooders.

12/12/2009 7:08:38 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield 10 Charlton Park 3

With half the league programme now completed Heathfield remain unbeaten at the top of the table with a four point cushion over their nearest rivals.  That proud record was severely threatened at Cross-In-Hand when Charlton Park provided the sternest test yet.  Their large pack continually pressured the lighter green eight and it took a performance by the whole team of complete commitment and bloody-minded determination not to lose for the home team to survive and then deliver the decisive blow right at the end of the game.

The pitch was soggy but playable and this probably favoured the visitors more. As usual recently Heathfield started well, going through several phases and looking the settled side that they are.  However the Park pack gradually came into the game, using their big men to run at the home defence.  They also successfully upset much Heathfield ball and thus nullified the home backs who looked to have a distinct edge on the few occasions when they did have possession. The visiting scrum half was very effective around the scrum and their number seven seemed to be on or over the offside line the whole game – a sign of a good flanker as the ref rarely penalised him.

Most of the game consisted of the two packs hammering away at each other and the brisk chilly wind meant that handling was difficult for the backs when they did finally receive the ball.

Chris Watton pulled up with a leg injury and so veteran Jim Davies came on for rather more of the game than he had expected.

Just before half time the visitors were penalised at the breakdown and some incautious backchat resulted in them being marched back ten metres.  This put the posts in range for Sam Goatcher and he duly landed the first points (3-0).

The second half followed a similar pattern and Heathfield rarely escaped from their own half.  Goatcher did have one long range shot at another penalty but was just short.  The visitors’ pack was using the driving maul very effectively and on one occasion this was only stopped illegally by the home team although their kicker missed the resulting penalty attempt.  However he was successful a few minutes later with an impressive kick from the ten metre line, albeit with the assistance of the strengthening wind (3-3).

Bruce Pestell had been having a fine all round game including some useful lineout catches but an exceedingly bloody nose meant that he had to be replaced by Ollie Smith.  As a welcome relief from the forward battle Matt Skinner demonstrated his class with a fine touchline run but the cover defence stifled the attack.

Then with just a few minutes remaining Heathfield managed to reach the opposition twenty two and were pressing for the deciding score.  Unfortunately they conceded a penalty and the chance looked to be gone. However a Park player chose to tap and go when a clearance kick would have seemed more appropriate. Heathfield managed to turn him over and quick hands moved the ball to Seb Jones in the centre.  With men outside him holding the defence he ran a lovely line at pace to touch down for the winning try duly converted by Goatcher (10-3).

On Saturday 19th December Heathfield entertain Hastings 2.15 kickoff.

12/12/2009 5:34:54 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Horsham 0 Heathfield & Waldron 36

Another convincing win for unbeaten league leaders Heathfield puts them four points clear of their nearest rivals. Horsham are having a difficult time at the moment with multiple injuries, especially in the pack, and Heathfield dominated in the scrummage.

From the kickoff Horsham gathered the ball and kicked long where Sam Thewlis ran the ball back into the home 22. Quick ball from the resulting ruck came to Tim Evans who found Thewlis at pace on a good line to pierce the defence for a fine try, converted by Sam Goatcher (0-7). A few minutes later more quick ball from a ruck again saw Thewlis break the defence for his second try (0-14).

Heathfield looked awesome at this point but the home side gradually came back into the match and their three quarters offered a real threat whenever they did have possession. However Heathfield had the majority of possession through their pack which is performing consistently well this year. The three quarters are not quite so effective in attack at the moment but the defence remains as miserly as ever.

With five minutes to go in the half Horsham had managed to reach the visitor’s 22 but lost the ball and Thewlis delivered a delightful pass to Tom Sheffield who used pace and skill in a classic winger’s run scoring a superb try under the posts (0-21).

Horsham gamely came back and on the stroke of half time just missed a penalty kick.

Not long into the second half Thewlis, later named as man of the match, again produced a lovely pass to put Sheffield away and although he crossed the try line the defence managed to prevent him from grounding the ball. However a few minutes later at a five metre scrum the green pack drove the opposition back for Oliver Robertshaw at number 8 to claim a try on his first start this year for the first team (0-26).

Chris Watton was replaced by Jim Davies and Damien Pestell by Oliver Brown. The green scrum continued to dominate but on two occasions attacking scrums right on the home try line ended with a penalty to Horsham, thus wasting good scoring opportunities. A Horsham player was now yellow carded for a serious stamp on Brown who was fortunately able to continue.

Horsham continued to threaten when they did have the ball. One attack on their left wing broke down and the ball bounced around between several players. While Horsham were claiming a knock on by a green shirt, Sheffield gathered the ball and was away. The cover defence just caught him near the line but Brown was on hand to touch down under the posts (0-33).

The last few minutes were played in increasingly murky conditions and with occasional drizzle. Heathfield were awarded a penalty in front of the posts and collected their final points with the last kick of the game (0-36).

This Saturday 12th December Heathfield play Charlton Park at home in another crucial match, 2.15pm kickoff.

12/7/2009 11:37:10 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield & Waldron II 13 - Newick 11

This week proved another testing one for Heathfield II, playing at home against Newick.

Heathfield turned the ball over early with great play and consistent pressure. However Newick are a sizeable pack, and halted early breaks by Heathfield.

Dan Bird and Jack Bayley led the forward pack well with numerous turnovers and good ground made. The half looked good for Heathfield until they conceded a penalty, and Newick edged into the lead: 0-3.

Five minutes into the second half Will Drinkwater converted a penalty, and Heathfield were back in the running: 3-3.

However it was a fierce forty minutes. Newick spread the ball wide to their full back, drew the defence and shifted it to their wing who scored a well-worked try. Fortunately for Heathfield the conversion was missed:3-8.

This ignited Heathfield and their backs and they too spread the ball. With great running and a well placed grubber kick from Ross Riley, Drinkwater pounced on the ball and touched down, converting it seconds later: 10-8.

With the score so close both teams fought harder. In one moment Heathfield gave away a penalty and Newick moved one point ahead: 10-11. Heathfield then showed their fighting spirit and won another penalty. Drinkwater converted and Heathfield snatched victory.

The game was a story of Newick’s good defence, but brilliant rubgy from Heathfield. Although at times they failed to convert possession into points, the home side played their best half this season.

12/7/2009 11:28:10 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield & Waldron III 14 Brighton III 7

Heathfield 3rd team took to a very boggy and slippery Waldron field on Saturday to play their latest Sussex 2 league fixture against Brighton 3rd team.  Last week Brighton had convincingly beaten Uckfield 2nds and so Heathfield were under no elision that this would be an easy game.

Thankfully the rain held off but the ground conditions made it hard for both sides to run with the ball and so most of the action resulted in a close forward battle. Brighton were well drilled up front particularly with the rolling maul, but Heathfield had the edge in the scrums and the line out and this gave them superior possession for most of the first half playing up the Waldron slope.

John Parsons is gets caught as Heathfield attack up the slope at Waldron...

In particular Tom Ingram kicked well to keep the action out of the home sides’ half and Jamie Ward Smith was tackling well to stem any Brighton attacks but even given their greater possession Heathfield lacked the final killer pass or move to turn this into points and just when you thought a score would come a mistake would be made and Brighton would clear their lines. Mike Shallcross was unlucky to miss a penalty attempt and then against the run of play Brighton broke and a silly miss tackle close to the scrum and a good supporting line saw them score under the posts and then convert, 0-7.

At half time Heathfield felt a bit hard done by but knew that going down the slope at Waldron is worth at least two tries and so it proved. Again in the second half Heathfield dominated territory and possession and Brighton had very little of the ball. When they did get a foot hold Ashley Sutton did very well to snub out their fast Italian winger and the forwards, in particular John Parsons, props Will Greaves and Nick “Furry” Evans made the first up tackles count and stopped any Brighton momentum.

Good line out lead to some excellent possession for Heathfield in tricky conditions...

At last Heathfield turned their pressure into points and levelled the scores with a fine try from fly half Tom Ingram. Slipping through the first tackle in the Brighton 22 and then having the strength to muscle over through the remaining covering tackles. Mike Shallcross slotted the conversion in front of the posts on the second attempt after Brighton were penalised for shouting on his first go, 7-7.

Heathfield pushed on for the win. Substitutes came on and made a difference, in particular Ian Schlieder and Charlie Jones. Julian “that’s all my good kicks gone” Wates tried to chip the defence to no avail and Dan Heyler was unlucky to get held up just short of the line. The forwards were also held up on several occasions and credit must go to Brighton for the way they doggedly defended. The break came aptly from scrum half Tom Keylock who had been excellent throughout. A quick snipe down the blind saw the covering tacklers take the dummy to the wing and he scurried over. Mike Shallcross kicked the conversion given the home side victory, 14-7.

The scrum was strong and Scrum Half Tom Keylock did well against an experienced opposition...

Credit must go to Heathfield for the way they battled to win this game against a very good Brighton side. The team showed that not only can they run the ball when the conditions allow but that they also have a plan b and can muscle and wrestle with teams when required. Their were a couple of confrontations throughout the game, one involving the whole team in the second half but the way the Heathfield players responded, showing discipline to walk away and listening to their captain after the event was a credit to their captain and them all and something the referee praised after the game.

Man of the match this week was between three players. Tom Ingram was excellent, took control of the game, kicked well and obviously scored an important try, Tom Keylock at scrum half boxed kicked well but then chased the kicks relentlessly. He also scored an important try but looked lively throughout the game. However this week’s man of the match (selected by his fellow team mates) was Will Greaves for his strength around the park, his rucking and tackling and his super work in the scrum.

Match Report by Simon Hollingdale

Team:  Will Greaves (Mike Powderly – 70), Chris Ambrasino, Nick Evans, John Parsons, (Kenny Lewis – 60) Mike Dilley, Alex Hodge, Jamie Ward-Smith, Mike Brown, (Ian Schlieder – 55), Tom Keylock, Tom Ingram, Julian Wates, James Usherwood, Ashley Sutton, Dan Helyer, (Charlie Jones – 65), Mike Shallcross. (Ben Cox, Simon Hollingdale, – not used).

12/7/2009 8:29:56 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

League Match 4 of 7

11/29/2009 6:12:11 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Rain fails to dampen H3 spirits

  The Under 18 girls from H3 were matched against a strong Folkestone side at Heathfield on Sunday in a Kent and Sussex league fixture. Playing in gale force winds and almost continuous driving rain, both teams put up strong performances in conditions more conducive to water sports than rugby.

  H3 dominated the first half by making excellent use of their fast back line to create scoring opportunities for Nina Crowther and Debs Harwood. The swirling winds made converting tries a real challenge, but Katie Bauer and Laura Baker both added to the points total.

  The heavier Folkestone pack set a real challenge for the H3 forwards and they had to work very hard at every set piece, showing great determination especially in the maul. As the game moved into the second half and the playing surface deteriorated into a series of puddles joined by mud, the Kent side found their rhythm and steadily chipped away at the home sides lead.

  The difficult conditions led to both sides making handling errors, but H3 were able to stick to the task and tries from Georgia Gray, Nina Crowther and Amy McCarthy, and conversions from Katie Bauer resulted in a 48 - 34 victory for the home side. Both teams showed a great deal of determination and  massive amount of good humour to keep the drenched and frozen spectators entertained.

11/29/2009 12:07:48 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield II 19 Plumpton 12

The match against Plumpton started aggressively, with Heathfield enjoying the early possession. Heathfield came close to scoring an early try in the bottom corner, but Ross Riley unfortunately fell short and the ball was spilled. Minutes later though, Plumpton conceded a penalty as a result of consistent pressure by Heathfield, and ill discipline at the breakdown. Chris English converted: 3-0.

Moments after the restart, Plumpton stole the ball. The resulting scrum led to an up-and-under kick by Plumpton’s fly-half, allowing their outside centre to weave his way through a broken defence for a try – easily converted from under the posts: 7-3.

Plumpton then gave away two more penalties, allowing Heathfield to bring the score to 9-7 by the end of the half.

Heathfield started the second half brilliantly, with the forwards working together to bring the ball up to the twenty-two. This allowed Will Drinkwater to run a piercing line through the short side of Plumpton’s defence to score a try: 16-7.

However, Plumpton fought back and the right wing jinked his way through a dispersed defence to score a well-worked individual try in the bottom corner, though they failed to convert: 16-12.

Heathfield finished off with another penalty kicked by English. The match was full of character and aggression from both teams, and Heathfield will be looking to stay at the top in tomorrow’s game against Newick.

11/28/2009 5:29:17 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield 17 Medway 5

This critical match produced a fine good-spirited game in soggy conditions watched by a good crowd of cheerfully vocal supporters from both sides. Although Heathfield won by three tries to one, Medway contributed fully and will be a real threat in the return fixture.

Heathfield started with some of their best rugby played this year, attacking across the field with forwards and backs combining well. After just four minutes a tap penalty near the Medway line was taken quickly by Matt Skinner and a looping pass found Bruce Pestell who crashed over in the corner. Sam Goatcher converted impressively. (7-0)

A few minutes later Simon Wilson made some hard yards in midfield and quick ball gave Goatcher the opportunity to step though tackles and touch down near the posts, although he failed to convert this much easier kick.  (12-0)

Skinner was deputising at scrum half, not his normal position, and made a fine job of it keeping his backline moving and making several useful breaks.  Coach Dave Jones picked him as man of the match. Tom Sheffield also caught the eye throughout the game with several speedy runs down the wing which stretched the defence.

The home scrum had a definite edge and the visiting No 8, Roger Ryneheart, had a difficult day tidying up ball on the retreat which he managed well and he had an impressive game overall.

After such a blistering start by Heathfield, Medway might have folded but they are a decent team with a fine set of backs. Their coach felt that they had been standing back in defence initially but they now gradually came back into the game which became a close contest.
After thirty five minutes a five metre scrum on the visitors’ line produced a positive return from the green scrummaging superiority as Wilson collected a pushover try. (17-0)

After half time Medway began to play with more confidence and most of the game was in the home half.  The visiting backs showed their quality and repeatedly stretched the typically reliable home defence. The Medway no 14, Luke Burns, looks a speedy menace.
Ollie Brown, playing his first game for Heathfield first team, had had a decent game thus far but now suffered a calf injury and was replaced by Levi Willis.  Shortly afterwards Jason Holewell came on for Chris Watton.

With ten minutes remaining, Heathfield made one of their rare visits to the Medway twenty two with Willis making two useful contributions as they pressured the visitors’ try line.  However a Medway flanker and their hooker made a try-saving turnover and started an impressive counterattack which ended with a try at the other end as the visiting backs combined well and finally penetrated the green defence. (17-5)

Medway scented the possibility of achieving a remarkable turnaround.  Their scrum now had the upper hand and they had plentiful possession but Heathfield were determined and successfully held out.

This Saturday (5th December 2.15pm) Heathfield visit Horsham as they seek to maintain their unbeaten league record.

11/28/2009 5:26:59 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield and Waldron RFC field 5th team.

Saturday saw Heathfield and Waldron’s newly formed 5th team “The Lost Boys” taking to the pitch for the very first time against a mixed all comer’s team from Eastbourne.

Under the Captainship of Mike “HOOK” Fellows and with team management (water boy and general dog’s body) George “Wendy” Warren, this team was formed by old boys of the club who were slowly passing in to obscurity but not yet ready to pass on completely.

When Eastbourne ran out on to the pitch with a mixture of youth and first team experience it was the common opinion in the club house that this could be the first and last game for the Lost Boys. However the Lost Boys substantially greater years and weight managed just enough to put up a fight and make a game of it.

The port at half time gave the Lost Boys new heart and a certain amount of courage and they took Eastbourne all the way to the last whistle with a final score to the home side of 12 -10.

The game was enjoyed by all, not least due to the unique refereeing style of Mike “Nana” McLeod. Mention must also go to the appearance of the Oz wonder winger Paul “Smee” Squires in the second row for the first and hopefully last time.

So if you are old overweight and talk a better game than you play please get in touch and join the Heathfield Lost Boys...

11/23/2009 4:29:23 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Uckfield U13 5 - Heathfield & Waldron U13 40

Laroche shows stormy Uckfield a clean pair of heels and runs in a hat trick!

November carried on it’s wet and windy format this Sunday when Uckfield and Heathfield met this weekend in the Sussex U13 league. Heavy rain blew in as soon as the whistle went creating difficulty conditions, for players and spectators alike.

Heathfield U13’s took this all in their stride with a polished and dominating team performance. Connor Lacey soon opened the scoring for the greenies. It had been set up by a run down the line from Danton Laroche to gain early position. Uckfield defence forced a line out which Heathfield won, which was taken into the centre by Will Ross. The ball was quickly recycled and moved wide to the right through the hands to end up with Connor Lacey scoring at the opposite side of the pitch. 

Laroche soon got his reward at the other wing when Will Ross had driven hard through the centre again, the ball being recycled with quick hands moving the ball wide to the left wing Laroche, who as ever was difficult catch, with his natural pace and balanced running. This set the tone for the day.

Not to be out done the forwards then showed with Flanker Liam Parsons making a huge break setting up a ruck, which the backs then took further on, finally number 8, Miles Geldart blasted over the line to score.

Sam Benians took the greenies over for a further try to go 20 up, his trademark direct running through gaps at speed.

Just before half time Uckfield scored under the posts, while Heathfield for a minute seemed unorganised. Heathfield went into the break with their heads up and looking to take advantage of the weather in the second half.

Heathfield had the wind behind them for the second half and let rip.  First up having controlled things so well Captain Cameron Carr scored with a great solo break from deep.  Laroche scored two further tries at left wing thanks to some superb distribution from the breakdown. That made a hat trick for the winger who is in his first season for the club.  Jack ‘Irish' Baird had three big ball carries, picking up in the loose and handing off to great effect. Replacement centres Gribble and Michael carried on the movement of the ball from the first half.  Theo Michael scored the last try for a resounding Heathfield win.

All in all this was great win for the U13 Greenies with a great display of teamwork and disciplined play. Heathfield remain unbeaten in the league, this season. Lawrence Osman was outstanding at hooker with 5 or 6 wins against the head at the scrum and some good line out call decision-making. As ever Tom Taylor was lightening quick to the breakdown faultlessly distributing the ball to Carr who called the shots for some fantastic back play moves. The back row are really starting to understand phase play and hanging off to add firepower to recycled ball. The front row  were ever present at the breakdown creating a great platform to play from. Most importantly Heathfield moved the ball wide at every opportunity making the ball do the work in it difficult conditions for running rugby.

Tries : Lacey, Laroche (3), Geldart, Benians, Carr and Michael.

11/22/2009 9:41:56 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield & Waldron III 33 Ditchling 0

Heathfield 3rd team entertained Ditchling 1st team in their latest Sussex Two East Fixture on Saturday. Ditchling travelled to cross in hand on the back of a one point loss to league leaders Uckfield 2nds and so the home side were set up for a close encounter. The conditions were not entirely suitable for running rugby with a gusting wind and almost horizontal rain but both sides did their best in the conditions to play some rugby and a really entertaining game ensued.

Heathfield elected to play into the extremely strong wind in the first half and struggled to get out of their half for the first twenty minutes.  A lot of the attempted clearance kicks made little ground into the wind and Ditchling used it well to ping the ball into the corner with ease. The travelling side looked dangerous at times but some good defending and some excellent first up tackles stopped their big men running and sucked the pace out of their attacking game. Rob Streeter and Ian Jenkins in particular were making it very difficult for them at the break down too, turning over and securing numerous balls.  Jamie Ward-Smith was also tackling well.

The Ditchling Scrum Half has an unpleasent Senior Moment with Streeter and Jenkins...

Heathfield then started to run the ball out of their half rather than battle the wind and this proved more fruitful.  Fullback Tom Gooders found wing Levi Willis out wide and a nice step from the wide man took the home side into their opponents twenty two. A good covering tackle saw him held up short but excellent rucking from Chris Ambrasino cleared the path for quick ball. Heathfield used it well switching the play to the other side of the pitch only for Ditchling to concede a penalty five metres short. Greg Kneller took a quick tap but couldn’t quite make the line, however Ian Schlieder followed up well and managed to squeeze over.  Into the hellish wind the conversion was missed.

Ditchling wait again to try and repel another Heathfield attack...

The home side were now playing at a better tempo and even given the bad conditions were looking to generate faster ball at the breakdown and pass it wide. Ashley Sutton on the wing, who was running well and proving hard to stop, looked to have wriggled over close to the end of the half but sadly couldn’t quite make it. If not for some silly penalties and players not passing on a couple of occasions Heathfield could have scored more, but none the less going into the second half five nil up with the wind now behind them the home side were confident that the game was theirs for the taking.

And so it was. Tom Ingram started to use the wind well and close inside the second half kicked a penalty to the corner. Chris Ambrasino and Greg Kneller combined at the front of the line out and Chris Ambrasino  crashed over in the corner for the next score. Tom Gooders then kicked a superb conversion from the touchline, kicking the ball across the posts and letting the wind pull it through the uprights which I am sure he meant to do!

A slick move at the front see's Man of the Match Chris Ambrasino score in the corner...

Heathfield were clearly on top now. The forwards were carrying well and sucking in defenders and then the backs were doing their best to move the ball wide. A nice line from centre substitute James Usherwood saw him carve up the defence only for the final pass to go astray. However just inside Ditchling’s twenty two Heathfield turned the ensuing scrum over and some neat close passing saw Julian Wates thunder over for the third try under the posts. Tom Gooders duly converted.

Almost straight from the kick off some great inter passing from Heathfield backs and forwards, gave Ashley Sutton a deserved score, again under posts. This was followed again by a good conversion from Tom Gooders.

Tom keelock in true "back style" manages to turn his old inside out kit into a fashion accessory!

Heathfield continued with the pressure and the pace and had several further chances to score. Tom Keylock looked lively when he came on at scrum half and made some good breaks. James Usherwood was strong ball in hand and made a great debut for the side.
The final score of the game, sealing the win and the points, again saw forwards and backs combining well.  A secure platform saw Julian “I have used this season and next seasons’ good kicks; I am running out of seasons to borrow kicks from!” Wates make yet another nice chip over the defence and Tom Gooders was on hand to collect and score. He then converted his own try for a final score of 33-0 to Heathfield.

A mention must go to Levi Willis for some excellent running and aggression, Ashley Sutton also played well in attack but also in defence. However Man of the match this week must go to a forward for excellent dominance at the break down. Ian Jenkins and Rob Streeter were both superb but Chris Ambrasino edged this week’s award for his tackling, rucking and all round effort.

Match Report by Simon Hollingdale

Team:  Greg Kneller, Chris Ambrasino, Nick Evans, (Mike Powderly – 60), Ian Schlieder, Kenny Lewis, (Pete Snow – 60), Rob Streeter, Jamie Ward-Smith, (Josh Pitman – 50), Ian Jenkins, Will Chipchase, (Tom Keylock – 40), Tom Ingram, Julian Wates, Charlie Jones, (James Usherwood – 40), Ashley Sutton, (Dan Helyer – 70), Levi Willis, Tom Gooders.

11/17/2009 9:23:57 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield blow away the opposition

Heathfield & Waldron II 8 - Hove III 5

The game between Heathfield II and Hove III was played in gale force winds and driving rain on Saturday, making the whole game a battle.

Heathfield looked likely to score early on in the first half with a breakaway run by Chris Jaques, who broke between the ten and twelve, but unfortunately the wind and mud knocked the ball on.

The weather dominated the game, taking kicks sideways and ruining lineouts. Hove cracked under Heathfield’s pressure and gave away a penalty in front of the posts, kicked brilliantly by Joe Reilly: 0-3.

Hove made good use of their advantage in the scrums, exerting pressure on Heathfield. This finally took its toll and with good work to keep the ball alive, Hove bundled over for a team try in the corner: 5-3.

In the second half Heathfield played into the wind for another gruelling half. However, the play was creative, and Heathfield learnt from Hove’s first half performance. Props Davies and Porter drove forward into Hove’s twenty-two, providing a solid platform. Heathfield’s chance came ten minutes before the final whistle when the ball spilled and Leon Collen seized the opportunity - spreading the ball to winger substitute Mike Shallcross who touched down in the corner.  Unfortunately it left an almost impossible kick for Reilly: 5-8.

The performance from Heathfield was full of character and determination, and the win was a thoroughly deserved end to the game. With a week off the team can rest, in preparation for the game against Plumpton.

11/17/2009 8:55:46 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)     

Heathfield & Waldron U13 51 Eastbourne U13 5

Heathfield played Eastbourne in the Sussex U13 league on a wet and blustery Sunday morning, the storms of Saturday had lulled but the conditions were still wet and difficult.  Heathfield opened the scoring early from the kick off and soon a forward drive brought a try for tight head prop Jack ‘Irish’ Baird.  Will Ross duly converted. A dead straight run from centre Sam Benians brought Heathfield back into the Eastbourne half from a scrum and the forward pack drove Matt Macgarvey over only to have the ball held up.  Further concerted pressure yielded a try for Miles Geldart playing at no 8, picking up from the base of the scrum, and driving over the line. Scrappy line out ball was converted into a try with Sam Benians fly- hacking the ball into the visitors half to be taken over the line by outside centre Will Ross.  Centre Benians was prominent again breaking the gain line, with the ball moving wide to Lucas Cuming at full-back appearing the line passing to winger James Rigby who scored near the corner post. Before half time a two further tries came from scrum half Tom Taylor and loose head prop Henry Paul, leaving the greenies satisfied to 34 point up at the break.

Eastbourne broke back soon into second half with a superb individual try by their athletic and speedy no 8 running wide and giving the visitors a glimmer of hope. Deep in the visitors half a Heathfield line out yielded quick ball, which went all the way along the line, with Connor Lacey on at full-back scoring for the greenies. Captain Cameron Carr duly converted.  The final score of the game came from flanker Owain Groves after consecutive line outs deep in the Eastbourne half.

All in all Heathfield put in a good team effort with the forwards winning good ball which was duly converted into points, by backs moving the ball well, and exploiting the gaps.

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

11/15/2009 9:40:06 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)