Heathfield U14s beaten by Bognor in squad friendly

It was impressive to see 22 Heathfield players willing to make the longest away trip of the season to Bognor Regis.

This squad friendly was played over three 20 min periods with both coaching teams rotating players continually across the hour.

Bognor started better than us. Was it the size of some of the opposition, the big 1st team pitch or the long trip over? Who knows but the squad lacked some of the intensity of previous games, Bognor scored the first try. The first 20 mins was very competitive with Heathfield showing great defensive resolve in holding the ball up several times over their own try line.

Then came one of our tries of the season. The scrum which was solid throughout, despite conceding significant weight difference, won the ball just inside our half. Ben W passed quickly to Freddie K at 10 who beat a couple of players before passing to Stan at 12. Stan then beat his own man before delightfully passing to Kieran at 13. Kieran than committed his man and perfectly passed to Archie, wing, who was now in space. He then burnt up the last 22 metres to dive over. A try a tribute to good rugby and great hands.

Bradley, Alfie, and Ellis again worked well in scrum and at the breakdown. James, Frankie, Ben B and Nile all stood up to be counted against some of the Goliaths of Bognor.

Bognor then showed real dominance as they scored 3 unanswered tries.

Then enter Captain Tooke. Again the forwards carried the ball through several phases of play. Sam W, Sam T, Oli H, Jasper, Jack L, Jo L and Jack F being combative. Oli T then gathered the ball from 35 metres out and started the charge forward. His pace, power and balance were too much for Bognor and he charged on eventually scoring under the posts.

Bognor then finished well with a hat trick for their excellent outside centre.

This was a tough good game of rugby played in great spirit. Indeed the Bognor coach thanked us for allowing his team to have the best performance of the season!

Special mention was given to Kieran and George who received the back and forward "coke and mars bar treat" in the club. George for his tackling technique and commitment, and Kieran for stepping up and slotting in well at outside centre and then scrum half.

A big thank you from the coaching team for all those who helped get 22 players to Bognor.