Heathfield U16s started the New Year with a challenging match against top of table Worthing. The final result did not truly reflect how closely contested the match was from start to finish and a few lapses and moments of self-imposed pressure gifted Worthing 3 of their tries.

Difficult pitch conditions due to the amount of rain we have had plus gusting winds at times meant the home team’s usual running game and kicking was suppressed. Having said that Heathfield made a valiant start defending in our own 22 for some time before they conceded a try 20mins into the game.
With heads up, Heathfield came out fighting and were almost immediately rewarded when Thomas Samuel capitalised on a mistake made by the visitors to snatch an interception and run the try in sticking it under the posts, and Finley could make light work of the conversion to give us 7 pts.

However Worthing kept up the pressure and managed to score 2 more tries with a considerably bigger pack and fast hands in their backs stretching Heathfield to the limit.

The game was end to end and Heathfield used creative grubbers to keep the pressure on the visitors. We threatened their line for sustained periods and came close to scoring on a number of occasions. Worthing then incurred a YELLOW for deliberately tripping a player just at the end of the 1st half, but they stopped us scoring again
Heathfield came out in determined spirit for the second half and pinned Worthing in their own 22. Again despite coming close and some great ball retention, we failed to cross the line. A Worthing counter attack conceded a further break away try but Heathfield kept their heads up. A deft cross field kick and some chip and run play found Harry SlinnHawkins on the end of the ball to run in a 2nd try again with a conversion putting Heathfield back in contention.
However, despite Worthing having a player then sent off on a RED in the 2nd half, they managed to gain the upper hand and ran in another try taking them beyond reach.
Despite the loss, this was a really strong team performance. Our defence was excellent against a very strong and direct team. Our ball retention was on point. The team rallied around each other and kept their heads even when going behind. We need to iron out a few mistakes and address a few things on the training ground to get our season back on track.
We are due to face Horsham next at home on the 26th Jan