U15 Greenies win Sussex League 2

Heathfield & Waldron Under 15 won the Sussex League 2 today in a thrilling match that was a fitting end-of-league decider. H&W RFC had to win today to keep their unbeaten record and top spot from the threatening points challenge of Pulborough RFC.

Having had little rugby during the enforced lay- off due to the frozen and snowy conditions the challenge for both sides was to be up to game speed quicker than their opponents.

The home side were showing early indications of their attacking prowess with some deft kicks over the top of the defending line and some switching in their back play. Heathfield forwards Angus Macleod and Phil Sutton were first to shine, driving the ball forward and setting up an attacking position. A loose ball in the home side’s twenty two was seized upon by Chester Duff and through some quick hands winger Caio Mann got the first try for the visitors.

East Grinstead fought back almost immediately and their pressure created panic in the Green back line, which in turn let the pacey East Grinstead backs even the score.

The home side then continued their assault, their confidence high and despite a try saving tackle from Owain Groves and cover tackles from Sam Benians continued breaking the gain line getting a reward for their relentless pressure.

The Greenies worked hard to get back attacking field position and came close to scoring with a charged down kick by number 8 Miles Geldart but half time was called and the visitors were left two tries to one down.

Playing with the wind the pacey East Grinstead back line scored almost directly from receiving the kick off and with the conversion the visitors now trailed the home side 5-17. Could the Greenies recover from here?
From this point the Greenies showed some huge passion, immense determination to turn the tables. The forwards lead by captain Henry Paul started to play a shorter game with a series of ‘pick and drives’ to dominate the next phase of about fifteen minutes. Having gained great position from short powerful bursts from the likes of loose head Phil Sutton, and with centre Will Ross straightening the line of attack the ball went wide again to big Caio Mann on the wing to score. Chester Duff too got on the score sheet after openside Flanker Liam Parsons had won loose ball at the breakdown showing lightening speed and reaction to secure possession.

The turning point of the game came in the East Grinstead twenty two, the Home side won their line out but blind side flanker Owain Groves had the speed and intuition to intercept the resulting pass out running the defence to score without a challenge. The Green army of travelling supporters erupted!

The game then became a real nail-biter for the next ten minutes, the East Grinstead team showed amazing character and battered the visitors with probing grubber kicks and sustained pressure from their spirited back-line. The Greenies made hard weather of the ensuing pressure missing the opportunity to put boot to ball to clear on more than one occasion.

Last play saw the Greenies with their own ball in a scrum and number 8 Miles Geldart cleared the ball to end the game. The final whistle was welcomed by all the visiting players and fans alike but the game was a fitting end to a hard earned league victory for Heathfield and Waldron RFC.

Well done to the whole squad who have all had part in the victory, especially to the substitutes who didn’t get onto the pitch today who have equally played their part in the league success.

Well done to all for a fitting end to an excellent season. League 1 next season !

Match Report by James the scribe Geldart

Match photos by Michael Michael