Tonbridge Judds Ladies just survived a late Heathfield rally to hang on for a narrow win in this NC 1 match. Although a Judds 1st team home game it was played somewhere near Southborough, a long way from the 1st team pitch near the clubhouse. In spite of the wet winter, the pitch was in fact quite firm underneath albeit with a slimy, often muddy, surface. The wind was across the pitch and not a significant factor.
Heathfield started brightly with an early emphatic handoff by Britt Mole and then some strong carries by Abi Bandtock and Steph Chipps. This produced a penalty in front of the posts just 15 yards out and Caitlin Flower duly collected the three points.
Judds immediately charged back and they soon also had a kickable penalty chance but chose to take a tap rather than the points and the visitors’ defence proved adequate. Heathfield again worked down to the other end and were looking good in the left hand corner only for the ball to be turned over just short.
At this stage the penalty count was rising, especially against the home team for backchat. There were also some feisty exchanges especially between Becky Taylor and the home scrum half leading the referee to have lengthy conversations with those concerned.
Skipper Carol Saunders was making a welcome and effective return to the side, winning several turnovers and making good yards ball in hand. However the Judds big runners were also starting to make an impact with a second row and centre being particularly noticeable.
In the last few minutes of the half Judds achieved good position on the left hand side following a good run by their replacement left winger wearing 17. Hannah Overy was now binned for a high tackle but Heathfield managed to repel the attacks. Indeed the half ended at the other end of the pitch as the home scrum half was now binned, reportedly for more back chat.
For some reason Heathfield were making too many basic handling errors with multiple knock-ons spoiling good situations. Combined with the high penalty count against both teams the first half was unusually long and lacked continuity. Many of the penalties related to the breakdown where the referee was particularly strict on quick release. He was generally consistent which is always welcome and it was noticeable that the penalty count in the second half was half that of the first as players reacted to his directions.
In the scrummage Heathfield always had a slight edge without complete dominance even when rotating personnel off the bench. The lineout was typically even although Taylor did manage to steal a couple of Judds ball.
Early in the second half Saunders made a trademark rip and then boshed through several tacklers before being brought down a few yards out.
However Judds now had their best period of play in the game. First they worked through multiple phases with good ball retention that ended with a fine try in the left hand corner.
Then a few minutes later a strong Heathfield scrum again provided good ball which was being carried well into midfield when another handling error provided good counter-attack ball which the speedy Judds 17 took into the left hand corner before being brought down. However a team mate was on hand to dot down for what proved to be the decisive score. (10-3)
Heathfield mostly had the better of the last quarter. Strong pressure into the left hand corner resulted in a yellow for the home no 8 for a high tackle. Soon afterwards consistent pressure and good hands allowed Merve Prestedge to touch down on the left hand side. The conversion to tie the score was on line but just dipped under the crossbar.
The last couple of minutes were inevitably frantic as Heathfield hunted for any score but eventually the final whistle went.
This was a different Judds team to the one that Heathfield had beaten by four tries to nil in the earlier fixture. The most obvious difference was their 17 who came on as a replacement wing but soon moved to the back row. She has raw pace which will test any side and, in my view, was the deciding difference between two otherwise well-matched teams on the day.
Apart from those mentioned above, Georgia Reed-Davies had a huge game with multiple strong carries. Amber Lovick also made a strong impact when she came on as a replacement.
Next Sunday Heathfield face an unknown challenge when they play Oxford Harlequins Women in the national semi-final of the Ladies Intermediate Plate. (24 Mar 2.00)
Oxford play at the same level as Heathfield but in the Midlands version. Today they also lost by two points, in this case to Bridgnorth Women (12-10). They are also mid-table but today was their first loss since Christmas.
It is impossible to know how the two different leagues compare so this will be a journey into the unknown. Seats are available on the coach and support will be very welcome. Anyone who wishes to travel with the team should contact bell_philip@yahoo.com.
1 Hannah Overy 2 Stephanie Chipps 3 Abi Bandtock 4 Velvet Turner 5 Laren Duly 6 Carol Saunders 7 Becky Taylor 8 Georgia Reed-Davies 9 Lib Lawrence 10 Caitlin Flower 11 Phoebe Morgan 12 Chip Chippett 13 Britt Mole 14 Merve Prestedge 15 Holly Brooks
Replacements
16 Kirsten McPhail 17 Jade Fennell 18 Amber Lovick 19 Maya Champion 20 Poppy Eacott 21 Elle Robertson