Both teams had had tough games the week before and this was supposed to be a recovery game. It didn’t quite work out like that. League 1 team Worthing started the game with a weaker side. Heathfield were also missing regulars with Jay replacing Podge, Josh replacing Will and Ollie taking the line-outs. Ed J also got a first start of the season.

The conditions could be described as mildly moist, although the pitch was a bit heavy but generally with no wind, it was good conditions for rugby. Worthing started well with the game being played mainly in the Heathfield half. Heathfield would kick the ball clear only for Worthing to pick it up and bring it back to the same spot. Despite this there was some good strong defence from Heathfield and they were again showing their dominance in the line-outs – a real plus this year. The play moved back and forth. Harry intercepted the ball on two occasions to make good ground. One resulted in a penalty close to the Worthing line. Charlie took the ball, was held up but off-loaded to Mackenzie who scored. Mackenzie really is getting a taste for scoring and now has as many tries as Scotland achieved in the whole of last year’s the 6 Nations (well almost!). Unbelievably “Mr 2 points” himself, Tom C missed the conversion.

There was some good intensity in the play now. The passing became more consistent, although the players were a bit too static when it came to going forwards. Heathfield managed a line-out on Worthing’s 5m line. The ball was caught, taken into a maul and the forwards pushed their way over only for Jay to grab the glory of the try without even having to disturb his magnificent quiff. Note to Mr Robshaw THAT is how to score a try from a line-out! Tom C missed again! Perhaps it was the shock of leading.

From the Worthing kick-off, the ball didn’t go the required 10 metres, so a penalty was given to Heathfield (I don’t know the rules, I only write the reports!). The ball was given to Charlie, who ran through most of the opposition. It looked as though he had held onto it too long but Harry was there to save the day. He took the ball and scored. Tom C finally got a conversion. Whatever the rights or wrongs of the referee’s decision, Worthing should have stopped Charlie long before he got anywhere near the try line.

Half-time 17-0. 3 tries and 1 conversion

Second half came and Worthing made changes! From the Heathfield kick-off the ball was collected by the newly introduced Worthing no. 17. He ran forward and like the Hulk, swatted aside the puny humans who got in his way. In a move known as WHAM, BAM, THANK YOU MA'AM he strode over the line for an easy………… NO!! Tom T covering, forced a sloppy off load which bounced to the ground. Tom picked it up and ran like only he can. He made it to halfway, committed the full back and popped the ball to Ed N. Ed reached the line hoping to do a swan dive but ended up looking like a sack of spuds as he flopped across the line. The technical term for a try like this is “smash and grab”. Tom C converted.

Unfortunately this was just like poking a tiger with a pointy stick. The outcome wasn’t going to be pretty. That was just a blip to the Worthing Steamroller and they now upped the ante. Pressure, pressure, pressure. There was a side step and Worthing were in under the posts. Conversion scored. Harry kicked the ball straight out from a kick-off resulting in a penalty for Worthing (rules, what rules?). There was some good forward running and passing and they scored again. The conversion was missed. Worthing were building up a good head of steam. Good strong tackles from Dan and Robbie stopped the Hulk at crucial times. Worthing again went close but knocked on.

Another area where Heathfield were good was in the scrum. The forwards can match anyone when they are pushing as a team. Coincidentally they won a scrum in their own half. Harry took the ball up the middle. He appeared to be isolated but Charlie raced in as back-up and got the ball back to Tom T. He broke some tackles and ran 50m to score. This time Harry took the conversion and he made it with a very good kick.

Whilst I was writing the eulogies for Harry, Worthing went down the other end and scored and converted. From the kick-off, Worthing did it again and converted from an acute angle. Worthing were now only 5 points behind. This looked like the end for Heathfield, especially as Worthing piled over again. Worthing now had a conversion attempt just to the left of the posts. This was to take the lead……………Missed!! The score was 31-31. This game was Worthing’s for the taking.

Next there was a moment of confusion (it was for me). Heathfield stopped a Worthing charge. There was a penalty but to which side? Some back chat and Worthing were moved back 10m. From the penalty, the ball was given to Tom T who bashed through to score under the posts. Tom C converted. Heathfield had their heads up. From the Worthing kick-off, Harry got the ball. He zigged and then he zagged and sped through to put the ball down under the posts. Tom C converted.

Soon after it was all over. Heathfield had somehow managed to not only compete but to win in an extraordinary game.

Final Score 45-31

Try Scorers: Harry (2), Tom T (2) EdN, MacKenzie, Jay and 4 con (from 6) from Tom C and 1 con from Harry.

Special thanks to Tom Hall who has now refereed at least 8 games for us now – and he is looking a bit drained. It is much appreciated, especially as Theo is away and can’t play much. I am sure that he has better things to do on a Sunday afternoon than run around for an hour whilst being harangued by all and sundry.

Fraser's man of the match (which means you have to buy him a drink) was Harry with mentions to Mac and Tom although I have a to say you were all man of the match!