Horsham defeated Heathfield by ten tries to one in a clinically efficient performance. The home side continue to struggle with injury issues which were not improved on the day while Horsham are showing the benefit of a consistent squad.
Conditions were ideal on a beautiful autumnal day with little wind and a good playing surface.
After an early visitors’ penalty the first score came from a set move in the centre which was a pre-cursor of things to come as a makeshift home back division struggled to contain the Horsham runners.
Heathfield lacked any set piece possession as the scrum was under pressure from the start and the lineout consistently misfired. Some brave work in the loose, led outstandingly by skipper Gus Taylor in a massive shift, occasionally produced some ball but Horsham mostly had control.
Their pack was generally larger, and older than Heathfield with such as the Tredgett brothers and recent Worthing player Jamie Redmayne providing bulk, experience and skill that overpowered the younger home pack.
Horsham collected their bonus point try just inside the half hour with another one before half time for a 0-32 score line at the break.
The Heathfield coaches made multiple changes at half time with Dan Bird, Alex Langdon and JJ Hart joining the contest, the latter two making first appearances at this level.
Tries continued to come throughout the second half. Heathfield did collect a consolation try as turnover ball, achieved again by skipper Taylor, was worked wide left and Lucas Cuming dived over in the left hand corner.
However Horsham had the last word as Declan Nwachukwu on the Horsham right wing finally touched down after some neat footwork. Nwachukwu had always looked dangerous and had done plenty of unselfish work throughout the game so this was well deserved.
On a difficult day for the home team there were nonetheless some noteworthy performances. Toby Harrison made several effective contributions and mostly did well to contain his opposite number Nwachukwu. Will Tyler, still a rugby novice, made several useful runs and is clearly learning every week. The coaches also gave credit to James Woodroofe for his efforts on the flank, Munch May for a typically committed effort and Jack Koops with some decent tackling and a couple of runs.
However there was unanimous praise for Colt Hart making his first senior appearance and who looked completely at ease against older opposition with an athletic and skilful contribution that promises much for the future.
None of this takes away the fact that Horsham simply looked a different class from Heathfield on the day and they will have a considerable input to the promotion contest in this league which currently looks very open.
Next week Heathfield make their longest away trip of the season to Thanet Wanderers who, surprisingly for many, gave Charlton Park a scare today (27 Oct 15.00).