East Grinstead started the game at an intensity and skill level that Heathfield could not match. Indeed they had scored half of their 11 tries by half time. Heathfield thankful that the RFU want to show the maximum score difference of 50 points.
At half time the coaches asked the team what would make them smile when they walked of the pitch at the end of the game. A try was the response.
Tom kicked off well and a great competition forced the ball into touch. The team challenged the subsequent line out and turning over the ball had a real go at East Grinstead. Some bullocking runs and great hands eventually saw Oil T juggle the ball near the try line and crash over to score. Tom excellently converted. Duly delivering the try 56 seconds after the restart!
Heathfield held the score to 7-10 in the 3rd quarter before normal service was restored.
Our make shift line out showed real spirit despite being outclassed. Our backs were giving a yard of pace and a least a foot in height in most positions. Special mention must go to Freddie K, Frankie and Bradley for throwing themselves into such an intense game after lengthy periods out. Our 7 forwards kept going for the whole game: thank you to the 3 Jack’s, 2 Oli’s, Brad &Freddie M. Cam was flanker first, then Hamish with Ben B spending the most time at 6. Hamish was involved in everything his intensity a guiding light to the rest of the team before he got a nasty bang on the head.
Our backs matched the spirit in the forwards but were giving a yard of pace and a least a foot in height in most positions. With many of the backs playing out of position Jon plugged away and centre with Hayden and Kieran facing some real power and pace on the wings. Our backs might have missed a few tackles but never took a back step: a big thank you to Finn, Tom, Ben B, Hamish, Freddie K, Frankie, Hayden, Cam, Kieran, Jon.