Well that was disappointing – aka reality check.
Old Alleynians (OA) were convincing and deserved winners of this Championship 2 match as the home side built an early commanding lead and the visitors’ second half half resurgence never really threatened to change the outcome.
Given the significant overnight rain the pitch was in remarkably good condition. While the grass cover was short the surface was generally firm and level which allowed quicker runners to thrive.
Not for the first time this season Heathfield were slow starters in London – or as some like to say they didn’t get off the bus – but after that trip today don’t talk to me about buses, London traffic, 20 mph zones,… Old man whinge over – move on.
OA had first use of the slope, the breeze and a lowering sun into the visitors’ eyes. From the kickoff Heathfield received the ball and started to work their way upfield. However the ball was turned over at the breakdown for it to be moved into midfield where some questionable tackling allowed OAs to open the score with a try under the posts. This was naturally converted as were five out of six of their tries.
After the game one of the key factors identified as affecting the final outcome was the physicality that OAs brought to the breakdown which resulted in multiple turnovers throughout the contest – and they then had pace out wide to take advantage.
Most of the play in this half was in the visitors’ half with only the occasional foray by Heathfield to the top end. OAs collected three more tries as they thrived off majority possession and moved the ball to their dangerous runners out wide.
In the last few minutes of the half Heathfield did manage one big attack into the home 22 led by Georgia Reed-Davies and carried on by Caitlin Flower – including one thumping handoff by Dave. However they were thwarted by a penalty just a few yards out.
The half ended in characteristic manner with another OA try resulting from a turnover and then good hands to a winger.
Early in the second half Flower had another stomping run but then had to retire hurt. Possession was secured from the resulting scrum and after the ball had been moved down the line Megan Plane was on hand to finish well in the right hand corner, then impressively converting her own try.
Before Heathfield could start to think about an unlikely recovery, OAs struck back in familiar style as they recovered the ball in midfield and their right wing Sabrina Harvey again demonstrated serious pace and skill to collect another try.
Nothing daunted Heathfield continued to press into the home half as the penalty count was starting to rise against the home side. A tap penalty about 10m out was carried on by the forwards before Lib Lawrence collected the ball at the base of the breakdown and stepped her way over for the try.
Lawrence was again much involved soon afterwards as she carried on a move by Reed-Davies which led to another penalty opportunity in the home 22. This was finished by skipper Carol Saunders bursting through several tackles for a well-deserved try.
At 40—21 with a quarter of the game left Heathfield will have been thinking at least about a bonus point from another try. However they were unable to create any more chances and indeed OAs spent some of the remaining time in the visitors’ half – oddly choosing to take three points from a penalty opportunity.
There was then just time for Steph Chipps to be binned for inappropriate behaviour at a breakdown but the final whistle went soon afterwards.
While neither side dominated the lineout, Heathfield had a clear edge in the scrum where Abi Bandtock marked her 50th cap with a dominant display of scrummaging combined with some characteristic useful carries in heavy traffic.
On a difficult day for the team Velvet Turner was afterwards picked out for her general contribution but especially for her leadership when the pressure was on. Coach Dan Suggitt also praised his bench for their contribution in difficult circumstances especially Toni Norman and Clare Baker.
Given the results to date this was a disappointing outcome but at level three nationally standards are higher and weaknesses will be punished.
After a two week break Heathfield face another tricky away fixture in London when they visit Hammersmith & Fulham for the first time (14 Dec 2.00). After that, in the New Year, they have 9 fixtures remaining in the season but only three are away.