The Harriers just edged past the NC3 league leaders in a tense low-scoring encounter.
Conditions were good with a firm dry pitch and a fair grass covering. A variable breeze across the pitch had little influence on the game.
Dorking mostly had the better of the opening quarter. They had a couple of useful runs by their backs which were just contained. They also benefited from several turnovers at the breakdown. Heathfield coach Chris Ambrosino afterwards commented that this team seems to take a while to become fully engaged – this is a dangerous habit.
In the event Dorking were only able to exploit it once as a lineout provided good ball which was moved into midfield and their outside centre duly exploited some fallible tackling to finish well from some distance – although critically the conversion was missed.
The home scrummage was not functioning well so Kayleigh Honeyball swapped sides and that phase was more stable thereafter. Skipper Honeyball was also making some useful carries although increasingly handicapped by leg issues – but she continued as a talismanic figure providing a strong example to this young side.
Gradually Heathfield came more into the game in both possession and position. They were helped by one especially effective break on the blindside following a lineout by scrum half Beth Payne who always looked lively – although she had to retire hurt in the second half.
Gradually Heathfield built pressure into the visitors’ half. A lineout provided solid possession which was worked into midfield and Ella Hedley boshed her way through the final tackles for an important try by the posts. Surprisingly the conversion by Emily Bigwood turned out to be the final and deciding score in the match.
The half ended slightly early as an injury to a Dorking player initially looked to be serious but thankfully she was eventually able to leave the pitch, albeit on crutches.
The set piece was messy for Heathfield with both lineout and scrum having issues at times. There is nothing that can’t be resolved at training.
The second half was a midfield arm wrestle with neither side having any control. In spite of the good conditions coaches from both sides will have been disappointed by the frequent handling errors which resulted in a disjointed game, also interrupted by multiple injury breaks.
Heathfield probably had more possession and position in this half but never seriously threatened the visitors’ try line.
However towards the end of the last quarter, the visitors were able to build some pressure into the home half. Heathfield increasingly used sensible kicking out of hand to keep the opposition at arms’ length. In the last few minutes Dorking had a good attack into the home 22 and obtained a borderline kickable penalty chance which would have won them the game. However the kick went wide and Heathfield were able to run down the clock for the last few minutes.
Several people including the coaches mentioned Freya Gorringe for her overall contribution along with Hedley, not just for her try but particularly for some serious tackling. I would also pick out veteran Becky Taylor for her tackling and lineout work along with Ella Vawer for critical try-saving tackles and some handy runs ball in hand. There were also positive mentions for Saffie Goldsmith and Ella Ellis.
After a fine performance in defeat last weekend, the Harriers team will take heart from grinding out a result against a team at the top of the league table. This will be put to the test next week when they visit Eastbourne (19 Apr 2.00).