Written by Emily Bigwood, Edited by Dan Suggitt, Pictures by Chris Baker-Butler
Heathfield Ladies travelled away to the Channel Islands this Saturday to play against Jersey. Heathfield secured an impressive bonus point win against this strong team in very windy yet dry conditions. The pitch had good grass coverage with Heathfield playing uphill in the first half of the match.
Heathfield had a very strong start asserting themselves as the dominant side with Jersey having to take a defensive stance. H&W displayed great structure and team synchronicity from the first whistle, which put Jersey under pressure straight away.
The first score of the day was finished by fly half Meg Plane after some brilliant work by fullback Britt Mole who had a great afternoon under the lights in Jersey.
The experience at this level began to show as the control and pressure by the away side rightfully turned into points with a good team try finished by wing Phoebe Morgan and another by Meg Plane
The score was 0-19 to Heathfield at the end of half-time.
Jersey continued to battle as they showed promise and endeavor throughout the second half, always making the Heathfield side fight for every phase. This however, was now into the wind and up the slight slope, conditions which the away side made the most of, utilising the kicking game to gain territory and opportunity.
Again, pressure turned to points as a strong carry from winger turned flanker Jazz Lewis was the first of the second half. Shortly backed up by a quick tap and great finish from 22m out by scrum-half Lib Lawrence.
A late substitution proved to be very fruitful for the team as Maya Champion came on in the last quarter and carried the ball for another try further increasing Heathfield’s lead. Unfortunately, the conversion was missed but it didn’t matter at this point as Heathfield had already safely secured the 0-38 win.
The Heathfield coaches were extremely happy with the performance of the team, particularly the control of the second half gaining a try bonus point and another win away this season. Amber Lovick and Megan Plane were picked out by coaches and captains for their excellent performances, but there were lots of star moments from everyone on the pitch. A special mention for Toni Norman, who made her Heathfield debut, making a real impact in the forwards with her impressive tackling and reaction to the game.
Heathfield Ladies have a few weeks to recover and reset before playing against Pulborough at home on 15th December, who lost to Canterbury this weekend.
Starting Team:
1. Amber Lovick
2. Carol Saunders (C)
3. Abi Bandtock
4. Velvet Turner
5. Georgia Reed-Davies
6. Jazz Lewis
7. Laura McGee
8. Caitlin Flower
9. Lib Lawrence
10. Megan Plane
11. Meg Baker-Butler
12. Sophia Skinner
13. Chip Chippett (VC)
14. Phoebe Morgan
15. Britt Mole
Replacements:
16. Freya Gorringe
17. Kirsten McPhail
18. Toni Norman
19. Maya Champion
20. Merve Prestedge
Key moments:
TRY: Meg Plane – 10'
TRY: Phoebe Morgan – 20'
CON: Meg Plane – 21'
TRY: Meg Plane – 30'
CON: Meg Plane – 31'
TRY: Jazz Lewis – 50'
CON: Meg Plane – 51'
TRY: Lib Lawrence – 60'
CON: Meg Plane – 61'
TRY: Maya Champion – 70'