Heathfield U15 bag bonus point win from Brighton

Playing on a blistering hot morning the U15 Greenies comfortably won their first league game of the season. Although Brighton’s developmental side they brought all the abrasive determination of their first 15.
It was a good result to get under their belts and the try count ensured they took a bonus point for achieving four or more tries. Heathfield could have been a little more clinical and ruthless, and although were never really threatened could have been cleaner at the ruck and more destructive at the maul. The scrum wheeled probably under our superior pressure but in turn created a few problems.

Heathfield showed some early nerves struggling with the kick off in the bright sunshine, but soon it saw Will Ross and Josh Toyn linking to gain good ground on the left wing, early rucking was messy but soon Cameron Carr was over the line for the first try. Chester Duff added two points for the conversion.

Cameron was soon to score again with territory being gained by an incisive run from Chester down the right, Will and Sam switching the ball left and setting it up for Carr to take the ball over the line, unfortunately taking a knock to the knee for his efforts.

Particularly prominent was the loose forward play, Liam Parsons showed great speed to move to from the breakdown to be supporting in the line to link with the backs in a good display of handling and off loading.
Sam Benians got onto the score sheet with a direct run to plant the ball under the posts, the ball coming from some sustained forward pressure

In the last play before half time catching a high ball from a Brighton restart Miles Geldart ran the whole length of the pitch in a vain a attempt to get to a score, but was thwarted where ever he ran! If he had scored the crowd would have been absolutely euphoric, but he looked more keystone cops than Chris Ashton! Next time son....

The second half saw tries from Liam – great support play, Will Ross, Cameron (again). In the last few minutes Brighton showed great resolve to repeatedly batter the Greenies to eventually move the ball wide to create an overlap and gain a well earned try. Last try for the Greenies was created by quick thinking by Theo Michaels on at scrum half, shipping the ball from the breakdown to the blind wing rather than the expected flyhalf receiving line; new boy Shamus Smith scored the final try.

Lots of positives – the support play from Liam Parsons was outstanding and he earned a well deserved try, the centre partnership looked more developed with Will Ross in particular making some great ground, scoring and distributing to his wing. Shamus Smith got a try on his first outing and put in a couple of good cover tackles. Miles Kelly is beginning look comfortable in the game and is beginning to take line out ball with height and athletic advantage.

Job done – First league game won, maximum points

Match Reporter: James Geldart