Tonbridge Juddians Ladies 17 Heathfield Ladies 41
Heathfield Ladies had a convincing seven tries to three win over Judds Ladies in this NC1 League match that puts Heathfield in a solid 3rd place in the league.
On a sunny day with little breeze the participants eventually assembled on a pitch that was closer to Southborough than Tonbridge. The pitch itself was in very decent condition with a good grass coverage and, remarkably for my regular readers, there was almost no slope to report.
An early Heathfield scrummage was turned over by Judds but this was their last success in this phase as thereafter the visitors more than held their own. Heathfield were well up for the contest as evidenced by a solid tackle by Clare Baker and they were winning the early breakdown contests. A tap penalty was carried on well by Velvet Turner and then good hands found Ellie Wright who finished well on the right to touch down under the posts, converted by Megan Plane.
Turner, fresh from an England Deaf training session and growing in confidence, made a number of decent contributions throughout the game.
Judds charged back and after several phases worked their way over from short range although the conversion was missed.
The game now settled down with most play in midfield. The set piece was even but Heathfield were looking more organised ball in hand. One of the best tries on the day was now scored as Kaylee Honeyball made one of a number of useful carries before the ball was worked wide for skipper Sophia Skinner to find her regular centre partner Lizzy Suggitt who muscled her way over.
Approaching the half hour more good ball retention through several phases ended with ‘Chip ‘ Chippett touching down in the right hand corner.
The Judds loose head now retired through injury. Sadly they had no replacements so scrums became uncontested. In spite of the apparent home weight advantage in the front row Heathfield had looked increasingly comfortable in that phase. The switch to uncontested also meant that Amber Lovick at number 8 was not allowed to pick up from the base of the scrum, thus denying an often effective tactic.
A few minutes before half time Heathfield had an attacking lineout in the home 22 and after a couple of phases Turner worked her way over for a deserved try – and the try bonus point( 5-22).
Judds started the second half brightly and it took some notable tackles by Baker (again) and Amy Cook to keep them out for a while. However eventually they did collect a converted try to reduce the Heathfield lead to ten points.
Almost immediately Heathfield replied. An attacking lineout was secured by Cook who was driven forward and nearly scored herself but the ball was made available for Baker to touch down – well converted by Plane.
Judds then collected their third try which was initially called as held up but then changed to being a try. They have several useful backs with their 12 and full back being especially noteworthy.
This was the last moment of home pleasure as they started to run out of players and Heathfield rammed home their superiority.
Sophie Sanders initiated the next try with a characteristic steal at the breakdown and then good hands moved the ball wide right for Wright to finish well in the right hand corner. Then Cook nicked a home lineout and in due course Wright collected her third try on the day.
The referee called time soon afterwards, ten minutes early, as Judds were hit by more injury issues and the result was clear.
Apart from those already mentioned the coaches picked out Chippett for her first time at fly half on a day when the better Heathfield handling in the backs gave them a distinct edge.
Several observers had commented on the improving quality of Heathfield technical skills in the recent defeat against league leaders Canterbury and this was borne out by today’s performance. This is being reflected elsewhere as Heathfield are providing the second largest contribution to the Sussex Ladies training squad.
Three league games remain in the season starting in two weeks time when Blackheath Ladies visit Cross In Hand (3 April 2.00).
Team
1. Sammie Williams 2. Brittany Mole 3. Kaylee Honeyball 4. Velvet Turner 5. Lauren Duly 6 Sarah Turner 7 Sophie Saunders 8. Amber Lovick 9. Megan Plane 10. Charleerose Chippett 11 Clare Baker 12 Sophia Skinner 13. Lizzy Suggitt 14 Katie Baurer 15. Ellie Wright
Replacements
16. Poppy Eacott 17. Victoria Bedford 18. Sam Crook 19. Amy Cook 20. Keeleigh Harman