Better Heathfield performance in chilly North Kent

Gravesend 25 Heathfield 6

Heathfield continued their run of poor form, especially away from home, with a four try loss to Gravesend but there was much in the performance to please Head Coach Dave Cook. Conditions were good on a generally sunny day albeit with a cold wind down the pitch.
The principal difference between the teams lay in the scrummage where the home side had a distinct advantage leading to the loss of much possession from that phase and what ball was achieved was poor so Tom Tingley at number 8 and scrum half Munch May were under great pressure. May was especially praised for his efforts in this respect.
The first home try came after just four minutes as quick thinking at a free kick allowed a home flanker to dive through the slowly retreating green pack and dive over almost untouched (7-0).
However Heathfield gradually reduced the deficit with two Lucas Cuming penalties as the visitors were competing effectively in all other respects (7-6). Cuming was also noted with some effective and brave tackling.
The home team collected their second try as an attacking scrum was initially held by Heathfield but the home scrum half scooped up the ball and scored a fine individual try.
Another Heathfield penalty was just denied by the woodwork and the referee was warning the home side about the increasing penalty count against them, especially for offside, much to the disbelief of some of the home spectators.
Gravesend have many players with experience in London 1 and above. This certainly showed in some of their offloading and pick and drive which was well executed. In addition to their effective scrummage work, their front row also carry well.
Heathfield’s lineout had a patchy day with some good takes but also too many losses.
Most of the third quarter was spent in the home half in spite of their now having the wind advantage. The home side were also handicapped by a yellow for one of their second row. However Heathfield could not turn this into points and with just over twenty minutes remaining Gravesend stretched their lead with a penalty (15-6).
This was still a game that could be won with skipper Gus Taylor leading by example throughout on his welcome return from injury and he now made a massive run in midfield that the defence only just contained.
However as the dusk descended and the impressive floodlights fired up, the home side finished the stronger with two well taken tries. First an efficient catch and drive from a lineout was rewarded and then a penalty was kicked to the right hand corner before quick hands moved the ball wide for a good finish on the left.
All three replacements saw plenty of action with Richard Poole in particular putting in an extended shift in the front row in tough circumstances. Dingo Fitzgerald also made a decent first appearance at this level, especially considering his lack of rugby experience.
Dave Cook was afterwards very appreciative of all the front row for their commitment on a difficult day. He also picked out second rowers Ed Koops and Will Tyler for some useful carries in heavy traffic.
Although unrewarded by league points, this was an improved result and performance which reflected people returning from injury and good attendance at training. The second team had a fine result today and with more returnees from injury this side can yet produce good results.
However the result of a game of rugby is irrelevant compared to tragic news elsewhere within the club.
After a week off to watch England play Australia Heathfield next have another trip into the far west of Kent to play old rivals Deal and Betteshanger (1 Dec 2.00).