Despite the appalling weather that managed to stop just about all rugby across the county, the Under 11s and 12s H Cup festival at Horsham RFC went ahead as planned on Sunday. The pitches were wet to say the least and not conducive to our style of running rugby but the lads were pleased that the festival was going ahead. This is always a fiercely contested tournament and one of the best that we are invited to attend.

With a strong pool including Hayward’s Heath, Horsham and Hellingly we would have to be on top of our game. No surprises but the coach’s team talk emphasised a need to do the basics well. Secure the ball, close support for the ball carrier and play our passing game to get the ball out to space on the wings.
In our first game against Hellingly, we did exactly that, we were fierce at the breakdown and moved the ball quickly into space leading to a convincing win scoring 5 (try’s) without reply from Hellingly. All five of our try’s were scored by our wingers!
Next up were Horsham Bs, we continued to play rugby as we did in the first game but Horsham were a little tighter in defence meaning we had to work harder to create the spaces. Some straight running and utilising the pick and drive, we created plenty of opportunities and the game finished Heathfield & Waldron 5 – Horsham RFC 0.
We ended the pool stage against a very strong Hayward’s Heath side, they had a solid defence and 1 or 2 very good individuals and at half time we were 3 try’s to nil down. After a focussed team talk the boys really stepped up in the second half and although the try’s did not come for us, HH did not add to their score. Some great defensive work kept them at bay and we started to create opportunities for ourselves as they tired but the game ended Hayward’s Heath 3 – Heathfield 0.
With Horsham A’s winning the second pool and the fact the pitches now resembled a rice paddy, the final was going to be a tight and tough affair but the lad’s confidence was high and they gave it everything. Horsham A’s are a very strong side and we had to work incredibly hard in defence for long periods. Some really big challenges were going in from both sides but gaps and opportunity were far and few between. Then, in the dying seconds it opened up and we pounced scoring the only try of the game just before the referee blew the final whistle.
Heathfield and Waldron Under 12s, Winners! The boys were so happy and had played for each other putting in an amazing TEAM performance. A great day of rugby all round and big thanks to Horsham RFC for hosting in difficult conditions when it would have been easier to cancel.