Heathfield Colts win through in Arctic conditions

Heathfield Colts played one of their few friendlies of the season against a very committed Cranbrook side in Arctic conditions and on a muddy, puddled main pitch.

Heathfield kicked off but it was Cranbrook who made all of the running for the first 15 minutes. Cranbrook used the wind intelligently and played most of the first period deep in the Heathfield half. They used a powerful and accurate short game to keep Heathfield pinned back and it was only tenacious tackling that prevented an early score.

In the end though, Cranbrook forced their way over the line to score an unconverted try right in the corner and were excellent value for this score.

However, this did kick-start Heathfield and with the kick-off they maintained a foothold and some possession in the Cranbrook half. These conditions are a great leveller but the Cranbrook pack had a definite edge in the scrum and were easily the more aggressive at the breakdown with better body positions and drive.

Heathfield did manage to score a well worked try by Henry Ross who, with his 2nd row partner Jack Smith, had another excellent game.

The remainder of the half was fairly evenly contested but neither side was able to make the telling break to change the game.

Half Time: All square at 5 – 5.

The 2nd half started with Heathfield fielding 7 in the pack with 2 back rowers so cold there were unable to return. Bench players Max Ellery, Jasper Wrenn, Kieran Burdett and Jack Koops took to the field primarily to get warm but had an immediate effect on the match. Heathfield won the first 2 scrums with a 7-man pack and scored a very well worked try by Tim Sills after some excellent driving play that linked forwards and backs. O’Conor failed to convert.

Heathfield then brought control and composure to the match with superb handling (regardless of the conditions!) and linking of forwards and backs. It was good to see forwards such as Ross, Alex Borg and Ellery attacking with ball in hand in the line again, something that has been missing for the past few matches.

Indeed after 3 or 4 excellent attacks like this, the Cranbrook defence was teetering on the edge and only illegal hands prevented a score under the posts. Ross was alert to the position and took a quick tap to run in a converted try to take Heathfield away to 17 – 5.

Heathfield were now in total control of the match and were surging through gaps not there before. The ball was being passed with deft hands (from both sets of players) with surprisingly few fumbles which meant continuity and pace. After about 20 minutes, more great linking between forwards and backs and excellent hands from all players saw Piers O’Conor searing into the corner only to be tackled into touch by a superb covering tackle from the Cranbrook fullback.

At the resulting 5m lineout, the referee put it to the players to finish the match early which both sets of forwards greatfully accepted – as did the coaches and all the watching spectators!

The match was a victory for the skill and commitment of both sets of players who played fast, entertaining rugby with an extremely high level of technical skill in definitely the worst conditions we have played in quite a few years! So well done to everyone!

Full time: Heathfield win 17 - 5.

Thanks to the two U16 players – Liam Parsons and Sam Benyons and to Jamie Adams’ first match for Heathfield and who is an exciting prospect at prop for the Colts next year.

PS: Travis suffered a renewed injury to his knee and with his upcoming knee op in March played his last match of the season for us in this match. Well done Travis, hope the op goes well and look forward to your support for the rest of the season.

Team: Adam Davies, Alex Borg, James Adams, Henry Ross, Jack Smith, Liam Parsons, Isaac Brown, Jamie Wardle, Henry Jolliffe, Piers O’Conor, Travis Parsons, Fergus Diplock, Tim Sills, Freddy Jones, Sam Benyons, Max Ellery, Jasper Wrenn, Kieran Burdett, Harry Reilly, Jack Koops.