Rain, wind and cold, the usual Sunday morning weather had appeared as if on cue for the important league game, away at Haywards Heath.

Playing against a bigger side player for player the Greenies stepped up to the plate but ultimately lost a hard fought game to a bigger fitter side. For once the Green pack was matched for power in scrummage and at the breakdown.

The opening skirmishes were tight and the visitors kept a huge amount of possession, the ball was recycled well. New boy Chester Duff showed in the early phases linking well with Captain Cameron Carr. The Haywards heath fly-half tested full back Lucas Cuming twice under the high ball – both kicks were caught cleanly under in a wet swirling wind.

Early pressure told and a beautifully weighted pass from Carr to Will Ross to run on at pace sent the centre over the line.

Swallow dive! 5 points. Tour fine surely!

Chester converted.

Haywards Heath responded with concerted pressure. The home team's blindside flanker particularly was running hard at the green half backs, but they tackled doggedly to protect their lead. Both Sam Benians and Lucas Cuming made decisive try saving tackles near the try line. The Home pack got to the try line but spilled the ball at the last minute. Half time.

The home side responded well to their deficit on the score line and exerted huge pressure time and time again. Soon their lock plucked the ball from the ground as it shot from the back of a ruck and charged over the line. All square after a conversion

Haywards Heath kept the pressure high and despite trying all options; kicking running Heathfield could not get out of their own half, and conceded two further tries.

Although the greenies went down three ties to one, the team played at a much higher level of intensity and skill.

The tackling was better, and the hands more effective and the team appeared to function well together. The line out functioned better with some clean caught ball being one.

We didn’t win the game, but we put up a great fight, we remain a developing side with huge potential. Hard to name a man of the match – great contribution from all.

Match Report by James Geldart