After a good performance last week the team were looking to step up another level in this league game away at Haywards Heath; a team we have never beaten. With the weather perfect both teams took to a heavy first team pitch.
Haywards Heath started strongly with the 8,10 and 12 looking impressive as they scored two early tries to lead 12-0 after 11 mins.
This galvanised our team and a series of great recycling of the ball placed us in the attacking 22. Quick hands from Ben, Tom, Stan and Finn gave the ball to Cameron on a 1 on 1 in the corner. Using great feet and drive Cameron managed to pivot in the tackle and dolphin like scored by diving over the try line
The next 10 mins changed the game. Heathfield started to take control using a fast, open display of rugby that they continued throughout the game. Our next try game from again from quick hands that released Finn to cause choas in the defence that then released Ben to score. Tom then converting for us to get within 2 points.
Now the forwards started to win the breakdown and with some great work from both Jack’s and Archie, Oil T scored a great try. Tom converting gave Heathfield a 19-12 lead at half time.
Half time saw the first of our subs on as Frankie was replaced by Toby after a great display at full back.
Haywards Heath came out with some very impressive close pod work off several rucks and scored a well worked try to tie the game at 19-19.
Once again the team turned round the rampaging Haywards Heath. Key to this was Ellis, Sam T and Jaspar and Jack F who dominated the breakdown. The whole pack deserved our next score from Oli T that gave us the lead.
Next came a try scored by the backs but made by the front row. Jack L, George H and Bradley had a fantastic day. Providing a great platorm and line out and scrum. None more so than when then one a scrum against the head which Ben collected and distributed through the backs, all getting over the gain line. This left Toby taking a short pass in the corner and finishing with real style and power.
By now Sam W was on for Ellis and Oli H for Bradley. Both these finishers slipped seamlessly into our great performing pack. Special mention must go to George who was exeptional all game, great ball handling skills and some very impressive metres made with ball in hand.
Another great performance was from Stan. Strong in defence and with great hands he dictated the play in the centres allowing others to flourish around him. None more so that Finn. His and our last try was an extreme example of the impact he had on the game. Collecting the ball, after some great quick hands, Finn set off. We are used to Finn beating the first man but after the end of his run he probably beat him 3 times! Finn started to dance when he entered their half. Finn would be the first to praise the supporting runners who continually distracted his potentally tackers. After his roller coaster run he eventually dived over between the post, to a cheer from the away fans that had been 10 years in the making.