Heathfield eventually ended up with a decisive bonus point win over Jersey Ladies by seven tries to two although that outcome had not seemed obvious at half time. Credit to Jersey – 14 is the most that any team has scored against Heathfield at home this season – but it still didn’t do them any good!.
Conditions were remarkably good for the time of year on a sunny day with little wind and a dry pitch that was taking a stud.
This was a much-changed Jersey side from the one that Heathfield had beaten 0-38 in Jersey back in November. The visitors played up the slight slope initially but much of the game in the first half was in the home half of the pitch.
An early attempt to run out of their own half by Heathfield was thwarted by an interception by a Jersey centre who then shrugged off a couple of tackles to collect the opening try, duly converted.
Almost immediately Heathfield replied as a Jersey kick out of defence was run back well by Megan Baker-Butler and the move was completed by Megan Plane although she was unable to convert her own try.
The home scrummage was starting to exert pressure on Jersey and this helped Lib Lawrence as she pounced on a loose ball at the back of a visitors’ scrum. The ball was then worked left for Chip Chippett to finish well. (10-7)
However most of the second quarter belonged to the visitors who had long periods in the home 22. They were helped by the increasing penalty count against Heathfield – 10-3 in the whole half. Good flankers always play on the edge but Becky Taylor was catching the referee’s eye too often and eventually after a team warning, and some doubtless well-mannered exchanges with the referee, she was binned.
The resulting penalty on the 5m line was carried forward and apparently well stopped but it was adjudged that this had involved a no-arms tackle and a penalty try was duly awarded.
In the last few minutes of the half Heathfield pressure first resulted in a penalty chance that was just wide. However they finished strongly as good hands allowed Chippett to collect her second on the day, converted by Plane. (17-14)
I must apologise for the lack of detail for the second half as I was on my way elsewhere (see the mens report).
Reportedly the Heathjfield discipline was much improved with better technique at rucks which reduced the penalty count, along with some cute tactical kicking by Plane. Strong carries by Abi Bandtock and Georgia Reed-Davies along with an increasingly dominant scrummage provided a platform which allowed the backs to attack.
The main events were an early pair of tries by Britt Mole. This was soon followed by a penalty try for a high tackle on Plane just short of the line following a break by replacement Merve Prestedge.
Right at the end of the game Phoebe Morgan collected the final try and Plane completed another fine performance with her fourth conversion.
The coaches afterwards picked out Reed-Davies for her strong contribution. As usual skipper Carol Saunders and Taylor were very effective. The whole scrummage unit provided a very solid platform that enabled such much else.
After a week’s rest Heathfield end their fine league season away at Pulborough (23 Mar 3.00)
Team 1. Amber Lovick 2. Caitlin Flower 3. Abi Bandtock 4. Velvet Turner 5. Georgia Reed-Davies 6. Toni Norman 7. Becky Taylor 8. Carol Saunders 9. Lib Lawrence 10 Megan Plane 11 Megan Baker 12 Sophia Skinner 13. Chip Chippett 14. Jasmin Lewis 15. Britt Mole
Replacements 16. Steph Ryan 17. Hannah Overy 18. Freya Gorringe 19. Poppy Eacott 20. Merve Prestedge 21. Phoebe Morgan