Greenies open season with a fine win

Bathed in very warm Sussex sunshine the Heathfield U16’s beat their local rivals Lewes in the first game of the season.

New laws and lifting in the line out added to the spice of the season opener. The game was all square for the first 10 minutes with no points being scored both teams finding their feet after the summer break.

Lewes were forced to kick many times and both Full back Sam Benians and right winger Tom Waites were perfect under the high ball – each time running it back with interest.

Chester Duff looked fresh and pacey and was first to score with a direct run after some continued pressure and several visits to the line. The try of the game was delivered by Chester by a chip over the opposing centres when the Lewes full back had come into the line, showing skill to collect his own kick and touch down.
Simple rugby and crisp passing brought the third try when a deep kick was run back by Sam Benians the possession eventually being converted by left winger Shamus Smith.

Driving mauls were being used by the Greenies and the pack gained superb yardage from a line out and again Chester drove through once the ball was spun wide. This tactic will work well this season through better line out domination.

Some players played in differing positions and stepped up to the plate. Phil Sutton made good start as flanker and Liam Parsons was as ever quick around the park in the number 8 spot.

Josh Ingram – Chorley made his first start coming on as a substitute on the left wing and looked accomplished making a great break showing some good explosive speed.

Both scrum halves – Theo Michael and Tom Taylor put their opposite number under good pressure, but the Greenies scrum didn’t seem quite as dominant as previous days.

A great win – 4 trys and 5 conversions to Chester Duff!

Brighton next in the opening league game

Match Report by James 'the reporter' Geldart