Report by Ed Ward with additions by PJB and DS
Heathfield Ladies enjoyed a fantastic day celebrating the women’s game with both teams winning either side of a well-attended lunch.
The Harriers were far too strong for a game Burgess Hill side. They were clapped onto the pitch by the mens’ team and they duly ran out easy winners by a lot. Burgess Hill are struggling for players but the game was played in a great spirit in spite of the score line. The Harriers have only lost one game all season but on two occasions shortage of players meant that they had to concede a walkover. More players always welcome!
The 1XV then ran out to a huge cheer in their last league game of the season in Championship 2. Facing up against a strong Hampstead side and looking for revenge for a 2-point loss earlier in the year, this was always going to be a good spectacle.
Hampstead got off to a flying start, dissecting the Greenies to find themselves 7 points up almost immediately. The home side were forced to fight back with several strong phases, retaining possession and winning a penalty. Megan Plane made the kick to touch, introducing what would turn out to be a lethal weapon for Heathfield on the day – the maul. After a strong showing from about 10m out, Dave Flower finished well. The conversion duly slotted by Plane levelled the contest.
The next period was dominated by Hampstead, who moved the ball well out wide through a strong back line, scoring three unanswered tries. All three went unconverted, which Hampstead will no doubt rue. Heathfield eventually found their way back into the game thanks to huge defensive efforts by Christi-Rose Pretorius, Megan Follows and several very useful interventions by Maya Champion. The scrum was a well-fought affair which also brought the home side back into the game.
Eventually Heathfield were again brought into a promising lineout position through strong touch finding penalty. 8m out in front of the Clubhouse, Steph Ryan delivered an excellent feed to a rear jumper, setting up a well-formed maul. Ryan collected off the back and finished off a strong move to take Heathfield into half time 12-22.
Coming back out with plenty of grit and the slight slope in their favour, the Greenies charged back into the game, retaining the ball well and building through repeated phases. Skipper Carol Saunders and Georgia Reed-Davies kept the home side on the front foot. Eventually Ellie Phillips spotted an opportunity and stepped her way over near the left hand post. Plane duly converted. Hampstead replied strongly, getting one of their own and taking the game to 19-27 with a quarter left.
Aided by sensible decision making, a strong showing from the Heathfield substitutes and patience, good handling eventually allowed Britt Mole to put Champion in for an important score. At 24-27 the scene was set for a thrilling conclusion. The home side had momentum with the scrum winning a penalty. The attacking lineout was driven on by the increasingly influential home maul and eventually the line was crossed. After an agonizing delay the referee decided the ball had been grounded by Reed-Davies to decide the match. Hampstead had held up two attempts throughout the game, so this unleashed pandemonium in the sun.
The ‘H’ themed dress up social afterwards also garnered praise – capping off a very successful season for the Senior Women's section with human henry hoovers, hospital pass, a hairbrush and Hellvis Presley showing the fantastic spirit of rugby we all enjoy. The late arrival of the mens’ team from their successful visit to South London added some fresh legs to the evening.
A special thank you to the Referees, Volunteers, Andy + Clubhouse staff and all supporters for making the day a great success. HWRFC would not be able to operate without your generous support alongside our sponsors. If you would like to support this thriving section of the club, please get in touch!