A great win for a first league fixture with Crawley

The league match with newly promoted Crawley was a first for many of the squad, as no one can recall playing them even in the Mini tournaments. In their previous league match they had run Edenbridge close in a high scoring game so we were in for an interesting match. After the usual Sunday morning squad rejig which was enforced on us again, we fortunately, were still able to put out a strong squad of 22 players as we have gained a few players this season. As the boys warmed up they witnessed the physical size of the Crawley squad, a number of nervous comments were uttered, I think we will warm up away from the opposition in future!

Crawley opted to kick off and sure enough Tom C the “kick off magnet” took the ball and inspired some early forwards driving work. The early play went with Heathfield and a score looked possible as Jake kicked through for Aaron and Tom T to chase. Aaron gathered the ball and went off for the corner but some effective cover defence forced him into touch. Heathfield had been asked to play with “tempo” from the start and they seemingly managed it. Anthony made a mini break, Ollie scooped up a loose ball popped it out to Jake and as it went to ground Tom T came away with the ball and went over for the first try. (5-0).

With Crawley now waking up they came back strong from the restart and forced Heathfield up field which eventually led to a penalty on the Heathfield 22 yard line. From the resulting attack the ball was regained and cleared in field by Jake and chased down by the backs. A few phases of Crawley play were thwarted and pressure was eased from a well-placed kick from Jay. Aaron chased, kicked through but was once again isolated and marshalled in to touch. The Heathfield pack were working well together and short carries from many of the pack enabled Heathfield to keep possession and provided a solid platform for the next try. The passing went from one side of the field to the other and kept alive very well, with Sam eventually ending up with the ball to drive over for the second try (10-0).

From the restarts Crawley were good at applying pressure and forced a few error but were unable to gain possession from the Heathfield pack. Again the ball came out to Tom T who made vital ground, he was stopped ten yards out but passed the ball to a fast supporting Sam who scored his second. (15-0). Heathfield looked more and more like a team that wanted the ball, Tom De B drove players off the ball on a number of occasions. With great support work all game from Mackenzie and Luke ball retention was great. The half-finished with another Crawley attack being halted and countered by some rolling forwards work.

At the start of the second half I think Heathfield were too eager to carry on where they left off and a rather hurried kick was hooked and only made a yard or so! Scrum to Crawley on the halfway line. The pack were still in marauding mood and Mackenzie once again tackled hard allowing Sam, Ollie and Will to drive forward and force another error from Crawley. Sam picked up from the back of the scrum and broke several tackles to bring the score to 20-0.

There was a break for a nasty injury to a Callum, a Crawley forward. The ambulance was called - something that no one wants to see on the rugby field. As it was a shoulder / head injury the Air ambulance was called to take Callum to hospital. After quite a wait and several checks and a CT scan, Callum was given the all clear with only muscle damage. We wish Callum all the best and hope to see him back on the field of play soon.

In agreement with all concerned the match was moved to the main pitch. On came Harry who was nursing an injury and wanted to test out his recovery. His first (and only touch) of the game was an interception on the 22 yard line; he ran in for the try but did not look comfortable and was duly substituted again. (25-0).

Crawley had a revival and put together some better phases of play. This increased pressure led to Heathfield fumbling the ball and made a few poor defensive decisions which ultimately let a Crawley player through for their first try 25-5. A quick response from Heathfield took the score to 30-5. Harrison Chapman who was putting in great first performance for Heathfield (he recently transferred from the defunct Crowborough U15’s) he put in a couple of monster tackles in the middle of the field driving Crawley back into their own half. His efforts were rewarded after an excellent rolling maul by the pack. He span off the back, ball in hand to run in for his first try for the team. The resulting conversion was met by a massive cheer as Tom C was becoming despondent about his afternoons conversion efforts!

For the last few minutes of the match Crawley played the better rugby and it was only thanks to some on the line smother tackles by many of the Heathfield players that prevented another try. Even Max got involved in a wrap tackle and held the ball up over the line! (alternative wording “made a good tackle and was squashed under the player as he went to touch the ball down!”) delete as applicable. Despite Crawley’s efforts the pressure was finally relived by a great clearance kick form Anthony.

Heathfield should reflect on a match well played as a whole team with all players contributing some fine rugby. Although several tries were scored Crawley were only let down by their handling and had some of these gone to hand then the result, would have been far closer. This Sussex U15’s league 2 is a well balance league this year with all six team capable of beating anyone else. Heathfield have played 4 out of our 5 league games so it will be interesting to see the table at the end of the season.

Well done to both sides and once again we wish our best for Callum. See you in January, when our first fixture will be difficult prospect of the league encounter with Edenbridge.