U16s run out of steam at Horsham

A balmy, sunday morning on a flat pitch at Horsham created the perfect setting for an exciting game of rugby.

And so it was for 20 - 25 mins. Heath's lineout and scrums were rock solid. The forwards were driving and recycling the ball well through several phases and the backs were handling the best they have been, running wide at times and pushing up the middle on other occasions.

Defence was initially well organised with good communication by the players and not too many committing to the rucks however, despite the run of play Heath found themselves facing a Horsham lineout in their 22. Horsham won their own ball and attacked the midfield with their back row. This sucked in the centres and quick ball saw their centre score. 7 - 0.

The restart put Heath firmly into the Horsham 22 and the boys attacked again but just couldn't get near the line. Turnover ball saw them clear the lines yet again. With more pressure in the Heath 22 and several phases later, Heath failed to produce the defensive numbers and Horsham scored outwide. 14 - 0.

Despite conceeding the two tries Heath were playing really good rugby but now the shape started to go. The defensive line became disorganised and the Horsham forwards charged through. A perfect cross kick to their large winger left Heath exposed and one gathered saw Horsham score under the posts. 19 - 0. A further two tries were conceded in the last few minutes of the half as Rory lost the use of his shoulder and Callum R came off with bang to his head.

In the second half Heath started strongly, finding themselves in Horsham's 22 with a scrum but the blindside break was driven back and the strength and speed of Horsham saw them break away to score. A further try and conversion was conceeded before the injuries and lack of reserves saw Heath end the match at 43 - 0.

A valiant effort by Heath's u16s against a far bigger side. The backline was much improved on prior weeks and lineouts were a strong part of our game.