Heathfield again started this match with many players injured or unavailable and knew this was going to be a tough encountered against a strong Lewes side.

Lewes kicked off but Heathfield controlled possession and fed Harry Reilly just inside his own half. Reilly chipped the on-rushing Lewes defence and Piers O’Conor pounced to dribble through at pace and win the race to the line. Reilly just failed with the conversion but with just 1 minutes gone, Heathfield were 5 – 0 up!

From the restart, Heathfield again retained passion and controlled the next 15 minutes well. The match was played at a high pace with total commitment from all the players but Heathfield were winning at the lineout due to some outstanding takes from Henry Ross, were equally committed at the breakdown and, apart from the first two or three scrums, had the endge there as well.

This possession and territory bore fruit after 15 minutes when a dangerous tackle on Jamie Wardle gave Heathfield a penalty about 35 metres out which Reilly converted taking the score to 8 – 0.

Heathfield still maintained the pressure on Lewes and, from an excellent drive by Ross which led to a 5m lineout, Heathfield scored a simple first phase try when Tim Sills scored in the corner. Reilly converted well and Heathfield were looking comfortable at 15 – 0.

However, things turned quite suddenly and without real reason. Lewes came storming back with excellent driving play and support, Heathfield were now playing back-foot rugby and were unable to get out of their half. Lewes applied constant and aggressive pressure for the remainder of the half and scored 2 tries of their own.

The first was scored after 9 try-line drives were repelled by Heathfield but eventually lewes found a way through, scoring a converted try by the posts. Lewes scored again right on half-time with a very good move and even better support. This left the score at 15 – 12 to Heathfield.

Half Time: Heathfield lead 15 – 12.

Heathfield knew they had a real game on their hands but Lewes carried on where they left off with excellent driving play, aggression at the breakdown and great support work. However, Heathfield were just beginning to get back into the match. A missed penalty from Reilly after 5 minutes and some good attacking play showed the players how they had to play to get back at Lewes.

Indeed, Heathfield scored again when Alex Borg scored in the corner from a quick tap penalty after an excellent run from O’Conor. Reilly failed to convert but with the score now 20 – 12 with 20 minutes left Lewes were really starting to chase the game.

Heathfield brought on fresh legs with the two “sitting out” props Golding and Ellery and with this impetus and a tiring Lewes side, Heathfield again took control of the match and played most of the rest of the match in the right areas of the pitch. Having said that, Lewes had the last word when they scored right at the death to leave the final score at 20 – 17 to Heathfield.

Full Time: Heathfield win 20 – 17.

Mention must be made to Jamie Wardle who was injured (subsequently diagnosed as a broken wrist) early in the match. We wish you a speedy recovery Jamie.

Team: Davies, Borg, Smith, Ross, Brown, Higgins, Wardle, Flett, Jolliffe, Reilly, Lloyd, Diplock, O’Conor, Burdett, Koops, Golding, Ellery, Sills, Jones.