Streatham & Croydon Ladies 14 Heathfield Ladies 7
Pics from Hannah Wood and PJB
Heathfield just lost this excellent NC 1 match against the unbeaten league leaders but they emerged with great credit and a losing bonus point albeit also with a feeling of frustration at not being able to finish several chances to collect at least a draw.
Conditions were good which was a pleasant relief after the recent rain. The pitch was firm but taking a stud and had a decent grass covering while there was a variable breeze down the slight slope.
In the early exchanges neither side had control but the visiting coaches were pleased to see that the defensive line was pressing up harder than recently.
In the first minutes Amber Lovick was making a characteristic run when she was brought down and an injury meant she had to be replaced by Sam Chan making her first, and distinctly effective, appearance for Heathfield.
Most of the play was in the visitors’ half and approaching the end of the first quarter Streatham had a penalty chance but it was pushed wide. Generally the visitors’ defence was working well with all of the back row having excellent games. Zoe Barr was now noted with a couple of turnovers while Carol did what Carol does and Becky Taylor was a positive dynamo in all phases. In the backs Sophia (Mac) made several important tackles and Sophia Skinner had a notably effective all round game.
The game was characterised throughout by the number of injuries on both sides, a reflection of the commitment by all players. Poppy Eacott now had to retire allowing Stephanie to make her first and useful appearance at this level.
Continuing Streatham pressure was finally rewarded after 25 minutes when an attacking lineout was moved into midfield and a good line by a home centre produced a try under the posts.
This seemed to spur Heathfield on and they dominated the rest of the half, and indeed most of the rest of the game. Ground was gained partly through some judicious kicking by Chip Chippett combined with increasingly effective carries by the pack in particular with Taylor, Abi Bandtock and Kayleigh Honeyball all gaining hard yards.
Finally a penalty produced good position in the home 22 and after a couple off phases Honeyball worked her way over from short range as a worthy reward for her efforts throughout.
The half time score of 7-7 was a fair reflection on the game thus far although it felt as though Heathfield now had some momentum. The set piece was looking solid. The scrum generally had an edge while the lineout clearly benefited from recent work in training and often resulted in a good set up which was driven on.
The opening minutes of the second half were mostly in the home half but were chiefly notable for the number of replacements, often for injury, on both sides, In particular Streatham will have rued the loss of Anastasia O’Connor whose kicking out of hand is an important weapon for them.
Streatham now made almost their only but ultimately decisive visit to the visitors 22 in this half as they ran out of defence and then exploited a tap penalty for a well taken try in the centre. With over25 minutes remaining the game was completely in the balance and most of this time was spent in the visitors’ half.
Chippett continued to kick well out of hand to keep the home side pinned back, including one 50/22. Majority Heathfield possession saw multiple attacks but on at least three occasions promising situations were spoiled by penalties for the ball carrier holding on too long.
Several times Heathfield reached the home 5m line but the defence just held and eventually the final whistle went.
Given the amount of possession the coaches felt that the back division had not functioned as well as they can and lacked penetration wider out. This may well be down to a lack of recent match practice.
Streatham will take considerable and deserved pride for their defensive efforts and organisation to defend their line for so long. This was an excellent contest and afterwards there was notable mutual respect between the two well-matched sides.
On 29 Jan Heathfield have a development game away at Chichester, and those games are important to bring on newer players before they are exposed to the higher intensity of league games such as today. The next league game is away to Guernsey on 12 Feb.
1. Abi Bandtock 2, Poppy Eacott 3. Kayleigh Honeyball 4. AVelvet Turner 6. Zoe Barr 7. Becky Taylor 8 Carol Saunders 9. Britt Mole 10 Chip Chippett 11 Katie Baurer 12 Sophia Skinner 13 Lizzie Suggitt 14 Jasmin Lewis 15 Sophia 16. Sarah Turner 17, Stephanie 18. Sam Chan 19 Caitlin Flower 20 Clare Baker 21 Robyn Pope 22 Phoebe Morgan