Late try levels friendly between Greenies and the Crows

Sunday saw perfect weather for the annual Crows versus Greenies friendly fixture and there were expectations for a good game of running rugby.

In a game where the Greenies dominated play and territory, the Crows made two very telling incursions into the home side’s territory.

Heathfield began well with probing kicks from Chester Duff, Will Ross, Sam Benians and Tom Waites and seemed set to score and get reward for the pressure. The Crow’s defence was tight and rebuffed the early attacks.

Midway through the first half, Crowborough centre Charlie Butler made an incisive run and looked set to score but was tackled by some good defence from the Heathfield back line.

Again the Greenies piled on the pressure spending a good ten minutes in the opposition twenty two and just couldn’t get the breakthrough. The Crows got the decision they wanted when the dominant Greenies pack were penalised for pushing early and the lines were cleared.

The Greenies were playing with great tempo, Miles Kelly was hitting the rucks hard, Cameron Carr made some important turnovers, the front row of Phil Sutton, Jack Baird and Captain Henry Paul continued to do the ‘hard yards’. Tom ‘Woody’ Taylor fizzed around the breakdown providing good solid service for the backs.

Half time no score from either side; surely the Greenies could convert their dominance in the second half?

Early in the second half Greenies number eight Miles Geldart on a short ball carry was upturned illegally by the Crow’s fly half who was subsequently yellow-carded. Could this be the turning point for the game?
Head coach John Parsons had made some tactical substitutions with Larry Osman coming on at hooker and Theo Michael on at scrum half, to maintain the dominance of the home side.

Again the Greenies plied the pressure and eventually converted a scrum in front of the posts with Chester Duff on the crash ball to cross the white line.

The Greenies only had to keep up the offensive now to take the win. The clock was ticking down and surely the Greenies could seal the victory.

Now into overtime, the ball was won at the ruck by the visitors, the ball went to Crowborough centre Charlie Butler who ran wide and along the right touchline to score un-checked. The try was converted to level the game.

Final whistle! Seven Points each.

With so much possession and territory the Greenies should have taken the win, and will take the experience into the future.

Deservedly Flanker Liam Parsons got man of the Match for his work rate and commitment, and duly won the battle of the Men of Match for the Greenies. (That Mars bar didn't stand a chance)

A good day of top flight Sussex rugby was had by all.

Match Report by James Geldart

Match Photos by Michael Michael