The first Pilgrims left their homes looking for a better world but were met by inhospitable conditions and restless natives. 400 years on the Reigate Pilgrims landed at Cross in Hand to be met by a hurricane and a group of 16 years olds waiting to see off the interlopers.

Reigate kicked off with the wind at their backs. For the first 10 minutes both teams seemed to think that kicking the ball into a 30mph wind was a good idea. Reigate kicks ended up beyond the dead ball line and the Heathfield kicks landed 10 metres from the kicker. Eventually Heathfield realised that passing the ball might actually be the best option. The ball was moved from wing to wing before Jake, playing at full-back took possession of the ball, broke a couple of weak tackles and ran through to put down under the posts. Tom C converted.

Heathfield increased the pressure and from some good rucking from the forwards TdB managed to go over. Tom C brilliantly converted from a wide angle and into the wind.

Reigate continued with a few kicks over the top but the speedy backs covered these quite comfortably, although one player failed to read Paragraph 18 of the RFU Laws of the Game properly and called a “mark” off a grubber kick. Heathfield were lucky not to be punished. I am sure that this event will be commemorated come the end of the season.

There was further pressure from Reigate but the defence held firm. A lot of the play was in and around the Heathfield 10m line. From a scrum, Heathfield pushed forwards and Tom T ran through more poor tackles and scored. Tom C converted again. The Heathfield forwards were proving to be very strong in both the scrum and in open play. From a line-out they formed a maul which gained them ground. The ball was released with the ball passing along the backs. It was initially held up but it was recycled by the forwards and a good combination of George M and TdB created an opportunity for Luke. He still had a lot to do but he forced the ball over for his first (ever?) try. Tom C missed the conversion but considering the weather conditions 3 from 4 was not bad.

Half-time 26-0. 4 tries and 3 conversions

The second half started with a lot of to-ing and fro-ing with neither side really getting a grip on the game. A kick from the Heathfield 5m line to relieve the pressure was caught in the Reigate half and ran back by upfield but good work from Ed N and Heathfield regained possession. Jake got the ball and in a carbon copy of his first try he ran in under the posts. Tom C converted. Déjà vu all over again!

Next there was some good handling out to the right wing – yes the RIGHT wing, where Robbie was waiting and he flew down the line to put down in the corner. Another first try. It was good to see the lads finally being able to use both wings. Tom C with another fine converted kick. From the kick-off the ball was caught and then passed to Tom T. He had Podge and Ed N on his outside but he didn’t need them as the Reigate tackles fell away and he strode down the pitch to score. Tom C kicked again for the conversion.

Then there was some play and TdB battled through to score in the corner. This may have been the best try of the game but the reporter was distracted by Tracey talking about post season camping – book your places now. Tom unfortunately missed from the wide angle.
Reigate had been good in short segments and this final period saw the Pilgrims rise again. They ran through some missed tackles but Heathfield were always there to cover the breaks. More relentless pressure from Reigate saw them score in the corner, which was no more than they deserved.

Final Score 52-5

Try Scorers: TdB 2, Jake 2, Tom T 2 Luke, Robbie and 6 (from 8) cons from Tom C.

Despite the wind, Will B probably had his best day for line-out throws – accurate and straight. Tom C’s conversion kicking was brilliant especially given the conditions. This will undoubtedly be crucial in the upcoming league games.

Since the Handrihan Files began, we have now had 12 different try scorers (13 if you include George H’s disallowed try – oh the injustice!), which shows what a good team is being developed with strength in depth.