Heathfield defended manfully to a tough visiting side who won more ball at the breakdown and the set piece. Tonbridge were very adept at drawing their opposite numbers before passing, and were good at offloading in the tackle hence kept a lot of good possession.

The visitors scored two tries both on the left wing showing good line speed and creating an un-defendable overlap.

The new scrummage laws tested both sides, and with a new look front row the Greenies were severely tested. A tough game to start a new position but Lawrence Osman playing at prop stuck at the task under extreme pressure from his more experienced and streetwise opposite number.

Heathfield were back in the game after going two tries down before half time and remained camped in the Tonbridge twenty two for three scrums and a couple of penalties. Jack Smith got across the line only to be held up.

Sam Benians had a couple of runs from deep and showed some real attacking running lines. It was good to hear Lucas Cuming really communicating with the line and some moves nearly came to fruition. Josh Ingram- Chorley kicked long and deep into the Tonbridge half and kept the pack in the game.

Lots to work on for the coaches and players alike but some real positives should be taken from the performance and the fitness levels shown.

Written by James Geldart