New Ash Green Ladies 0 Heathfield Ladies 65
Heathfield Ladies were convincing winners of this NC 2 SE league game that puts them firmly in second place in the league table by scoring eleven tries without reply. Earlier fixture complications meant that this game counted double in league point terms – Heathfield are now just behind Cranbrook with both having lost one game.
A chill north wind was making the so-called warm-ups a definite test of will and then a serious hail or sleet storm drove many weaker souls back to the warm and welcoming bar. Thankfully precipitation generally held off during the game itself apart from a squall in the second half but it was definitely a day to be playing rather than watching.
The game was effectively decided in the first half as Heathfield, playing against the stiff breeze scored five tries through playing sensible basic rugby, chiefly by keeping the ball in hand and good support for the ball carrier.
Saskia Sullivan was nearly first on the score board when just denied in the left hand corner. Sullivan was one of several of Heathfield’s major players who certainly stood up to be counted on the day with repeated carries and mostly good offloads along with a dominant day in the scrummage. From the following scrum Emily Sowell had too much skill for the defence and collected the first of her four tries on the day.
Sowell was immediately involved again in running back the kick off up to the half way and then Amber Lovick took over for another long range try to follow up her recent great score against Seaford. Sowell collected her next try following good work by Nicky Charter, with the ball carried on by Lovick and Sowell finished clinically from half way.
Skipper Becky Taylor was next to score as due reward for her tireless efforts in support play. Heathfield were now bossing the game with the forwards securing good possession and the backs keen to spread the ball wide – Ellie Duley was afterwards much praised for her distribution and keeping the back line going forward.
The half was ended by another Heathfield try as Becky Farrant boshed her way over from some distance.
Heathfield’s left wing Brittany Mole was playing her first competitive game and was widely praised for a very sound contribution. Both Heathfield wings were replaced at half time to give Izzy Bowler and Poppy Eacott some game time, with Eacott in particular making a strong impression.
The second half opened with another Sowell try again from half way as she shrugged off a high tackle. Then Keeleigh Harman got her name on the scoresheet after Carla Monson exploited good scrummage possession. Monson enjoyed a good day behind a dominant pack.
Lovick collected the next as Taylor and Sullivan each made good ground before off-loading. Sowell collected her last after Duley made a good break.
New signing Sophie Sanders now celebrated her first game for Heathfield with a try and she was noted with plenty of useful contributions in all phases.
The scoring was completed by Duley who was the beneficiary of a good offload by Eacott, in just her second game, who had made good ground into the right hand corner.
New Ash Green had always kept competing and they managed a late charge into the visitors’ territory but never threatened the try line.
One area that Heathfield can improve upon is in kicking with just five of the eleven tries being converted, with many being under the posts.
Coach Chris Ambrosino was delighted with the all round team performance, especially considering the number of good players who were not available today. The team’s big players delivered and some less experienced members gained useful game time.
Heathfield next game is on Sunday away to league strugglers Lordswood (3 Feb 2.00).