Heathfield U12 win plate at East Sussex festival in Hastings

A full squad of 18 was taken to Hastings full of excitement and expectation.

A full squad of 18 was taken to Hastings full of excitement and expectation. 4 games to be played in a pool of 5. The day started with an excellent display of teamwork from the parents who put up the tent in a record time. Thank you.

Our first game was against the host, Hastings & Bexhill RFC. With the host being 2 short Freddie Mc, Angus P and Oli H stepped forward to play for them. These three showed tremendous spirit and application in playing against their own dominant team. With power from the likes of Jack Flint and in later games James J, in the front row Heathfield dominated the game from the kick off running in several tries. The win was created by quick rucks with special mention to Sam T and Sam W who all day committed everything to every ruck complemented by Ben W emulating the “Danny Care” dive. Other tries from Sam W, Joseph, Tom F and Tom R.

Our second game against Crowborough was a fantastic game of rugby. Both teams played with a very high level of skill and the Heathfield defensive organisation and tackling was the best seen all season. With a big game from Oscar C and the control at 10 of Tom R we really took the game to Crowborough. Our attacking intent was equally matched as the game flowed up and down the pitch producing a high quality game that kept the excited crowd engrossed to the end. The final result was a 0-0 draw. Special credit must also go to Hamish and Toby C who rotated at full back standing firm as our last line of defence all day.

Our third game against Lewes broke our spirited defence. Lewes have some very large and skilful runners that exposed our ability to play the ball tight and not get exposed. Again the effort and commitment could not be faltered and a couple of tackles by Freddie K will live long in the memory particularly bringing down said colossus at full speed. Every member of squad entered the fray and a big second half performance kept spirits and heads held high. Watching the likes of Freddie Mu entering the fray at half time with such positivity and team togetherness epitomised the squad spirit shown all day.

Once again the squad committed everything to the last game; another game that flowed to and fro. Both East Grinstead and Heathfield played some great rugby with both sets of players attacking and defending with great skill and passion. We saw a great attacking kick down the line from Finn who with Tom F built a great attacking position with an excellent chase. Despite only receiving one pass all day at outside centre all day Stanley C finally got a run in before resorting to his enforced tackling duties. Spurring the team onto the the final try of the game. Final score 2-2. Tries from Ben and Sam W.

A special mention must also go to Archie and Kieran who both attended home training, particularly Kieran who joined us at Hastings to watch the last game.

So at the end of the festival Heathfield left Hastings with just one defeat to the team that won the whole pool, Lewes. With Crowborough drawing with Lewes in the last game we finished third in the pool allowing our captain Joseph to pick up our Plate trophy.

A big thank you Martyn and his team at Hastings for organising a great day with the chocolates on Mother’s day appreciated by Mum’s and the squad alike.