Heathfield overcome Cranbrook and the cold

Cranbrook Ladies 7 Heathfield Ladies 22
In bitterly cold conditions Heathfield Ladies overcame a tough Cranbrook Ladies side. Heathfield had several regular players missing so positional changes had to be made but in the event these worked well.
Conditions meant that passing was difficult and it was mostly a forwards game.
The visitors started slowly and Cranbrook showed some good rucking. Once the Heathfield forwards got into the game they also started to exert some pressure.
Lineouts were well contested but Izzy Eyres managed to disrupt the Cranbrook ball so giving Heathfield an edge in possession.
Although this was mostly a forwards day, the difference between the two sides lay in the backs where Heathfield had some very effective performers. Emily Sowell continued to demonstrate the pace and footwork that has been evident this year and she collected two tries. Lizzy Norman, who was having just her second game in the backs, also benefitted from some good offloads and then showed good strength to break through tackles also to collect two tries, one of which was converted by Hollie Morrell.
The Cranbrook try was an individual effort by their nimble scrum half.
Heathfield therefore remain at the top of the league table and next week visit Lewes (25 March 14.00).

Notes by Harriet Mason Pearson

Team: 1. Amber Stoten 2. Abi Tappenden 3. Hollie Morrell 4. Saskia Sullivan 5. Faye Lawrence 6. Becky Taylor 7. Isobelle Eyres 8. Becky Farrant 9. Heather Jury 10. Hannah Osbourne 11. Harriet Mason Pearson 12. Keeleigh Harman 13. Lizzie Norman 14. Emily Sowell 15. Hannah Chapman 16. Carly Harris 17. Jay Strudwick 18. Ella Hedley