In a remarkable match that was truly a game of two halves, Heathfield just held on against an increasingly threatening Cullompton side who showed huge resilience and self-belief to level the scores after being apparently blown away by the Heathfield first half performance.
In excellent playing conditions with a breeze across the pitch, Heathfield started with pace, commitment and invention that rocked their opponents. George Gomersall ran back a kick and initiated a period of pressure in the Cullompton 22. After a couple of lineouts in the right hand corner Nick Cook stretched out a long arm to claim the opening try, converted by Tom Burgess (7-0).
Lewis Headland now had an inspired few minutes, first with a deep kick which he followed up well to keep Cullompton in their own 22 and then he exploited a tap penalty to claim a try, again converted by Burgess (14-0). Headland was one of the eye-catching players on the day, especially in the first half. Burgess was also having a good game, varying his options with some threatening chips into space or sometimes setting the backs in motion.
Heathfield had plenty of possession at this stage with the lineout working well and the pack scavenging effectively at the breakdown with Henry Lelacheur doing much good work. However the Cullompton scrummage looked to be a danger although it became temporarily less effective when their tight head was replaced and Jacob Perrett had a clear edge on the replacement who was fortunate not to be penalised for his binding, or lack of it.
The third Heathfield try was collected by Ben Boorman after twenty minutes, Burgess again adding the conversion (21-0). Cullompton showed that they were not daunted by the situation and had a good period of pressure on Heathfield’s line but stout defence was able to scramble the ball clear.
The next Heathfield try came from a tackle by Mylo Vanner-Mackew and Boorman was on hand to collect the loose ball and scoot over in the corner although crucially the conversion just failed (26-0).
Given that the conditions did not favour either direction of play, it is remarkable that all of the scores in this game were at the same end, apart from the very final penalty.
Tom Groves and James Young replaced Lelacheur and Sam Brown at the interval. Whatever was said in the Cullompton huddle at half-time, the impact was immediately apparent as they started the second period with far more intensity. They had several periods of possession and pressure in the Heathfield 22 and a scrambled try in the right hand corner was consistent with the run of play, albeit not converted (26-5). With Heathfield on the back foot for most of the second half, James Pancaldi was frequently noted doing brave and effective work in defence.
The Cullompton scrummage was starting to impose itself although the damage was limited by the restriction of 1.5 metres that the scrum is allowed to move in this age group. Sean Crozier now replaced Burgess and a little later Ollie Carter came on for Oliver Osler-Holt.
Cullompton should have collected another try in the left hand corner but the final pass did not go to hand. However soon afterwards their number eight did score with a short range rumble from a scrummage (26-12). With about ten minutes to go Heathfield made a rare visit to the Cullompton half but a penalty chance just dropped short.
Gomersall made another effective run back from a deep kick and his potentially scoring pass also went to ground.
Cullompton were now playing with impressive conviction with the clock ticking down. They played to their strength using their greater size with good support work especially around the fringes and chances kept coming, their second row captain leading by excellent example.
Josh O’Reilly replaced Perrett as the Heathfield supporters kept checking their watches. With perhaps four minutes remaining a Cullompton winger showed good pace to touch down under the posts (26-19). Then more Cullompton pressure led to a charge down and some poor options in the Heathfield defence allowed Cullompton to claim another try under the posts (26-26). Some Heathfield supporters claimed there was a knock on by Cullompton at this point but this was a self-inflicted injury as the ball should have been cleared well before.
There was still a little time on the clock. Under the regulations for this competition there is no extra time if scores are tied at the end of a game. Instead the side that scored the first try progresses so Heathfield still had their metaphorical noses in front. Thankfully however Heathfield were able to claim a clear win as from the kickoff they worked into the Cullompton half and pressure at the breakdown resulted in a penalty that was slotted by Crozier (29-26).
Sport can be cruel and Cullompton will be justly disappointed not to have secured the result that they worked so hard to achieve from an apparently hopeless position.
Heathfield will have learnt much from this game. Their first half performance was inspiring and their fitness was just enough to enable them to hold on. The coaching team under Dave Cook know what is needed.
Heathfield also appreciated the friendly and efficient organisation of Henley RFC. The arrangements were practical and unfussy and the day ran smoothly so our thanks to those concerned.
The final is at Sale Sharks on 3rd May and we hope to see lots of green supporters (and blazers) make the journey. Heathfield Junior Section much appreciates the sponsorship support of Sussex Country Gardener.
Heathfield team: Perrett, Hodgins, Lelacheur, MacVicker, Cook, Brown, Pancaldi, Wexler, Headland, Burgess, Osler-Holt, Boorman, Vanner-Mackew, Batchelor, Gomersall.
Replacements O’Reilly, Groves, Young, Thorkildsen, Brown, Crozier, Carter.