Comfortable Sussex Bob Rogers Cup win for Heathfield

Heathfield 36 Chichester II 19
Heathfield enjoyed a comfortable win in this Sussex Bob Rogers Cup match against Chichester II (Chi) by five tries to three. There was a noticeable lack of the sort of tension that typically surrounds a league game and with plenty of banter between players, ref and spectators this was indeed a good day for rugby. Chichester went home well beaten but they played a full part and the result could well have been closer if they had taken a couple of chances.
In the early phases both sides kicked a good deal, mostly to good effect. Although playing up the slight slope Chi had plenty of possession in the home half and were looking dangerous in the left hand corner when Shamus Smith intercepted and nearly went the length before a fine cover tackle just caught him – however Tom Tingley was on hand to stroll over and touch down under the posts. Lucas Cuming converted.
Tom Cornwall had to retire with a hamstring twinge which allowed the maturing Tom Pritchard to make yet another useful contribution.
Chichester had several decent periods of pressure in the home half with their lineout looking an efficient operation – although Tingley later caused some grief for their front jumper. Chi probably should have scored when good recycled ball was moved wide left but the final pass was botched. They were now handicapped when their no 8 had to retire with a bang to the head.
Instead Heathfield doubled their score shortly before half time as good hands exploited a Munch May box kick and somehow Oli Robertshaw arrived at the right moment to touch down, well converted by Cuming.
The home scrum was having a better day than usual this season with Butch Poole, Dan Bird and Reece Webb having a distinct edge over their larger opponents. Bird was particularly noted afterwards for his other efforts with tackles and clear outs.
Ed Koops, skipper for the day, was making a welcome reappearance after two weeks going downhill and looked in good shape with plenty of ball carrying. He will have enjoyed being on the pitch with his brother Jack. Next week Heathfield will hope to have another pair of brothers in action together when Fraser Goatcher returns to action after a long injury layoff and joins his brother Sam.
Given the larger bench allowed under the competition regulations, the Heathfield coaches took the opportunity to make multiple changes in the second half. J Koops was replaced at half time by Colt Max Redman and while he didn’t receive any good ball to display his reportedly impressive pace he did well in other respects and will have learnt from the experience.
Heathfield collected their next try early in the second period as good hands by Smith and Cuming ended with a ruck in the visitors’ 22 and, aware of advantage being called by the referee, May dived through the disorganised defence and then found Pritchard who thus collected a much-appreciated try to move to 10th in the try scorers league table on his only appearance this season.
This stung the visitors into action and an impressive catch and drive on the home 22 was now driven over to open their account (19-5). Henry Armstrong now returned from paternity leave to replace Charlie Butler and Sam Goatcher retired to allow Harry Vidler to make a welcome reappearance on the flank, with Tingley moving to inside centre.
A Heathfield penalty was just wide but the result was no longer in doubt when fly half Toby Harrison sold an outrageous dummy on the visitors’ 22 and then found Smith in support who jogged over under the posts. Harrison had a good day overall in attack and defence.
Then Tingley added to his growing try count in recent weeks as good hands now gave him some space and he had the pace to finish from some way out (pictured).
The visitors’ scrum may have welcomed the sight of the very mature Julian Porter arriving to replace Webb but if anything the home scrummage now exerted even more pressure. At 47 Porter will justifiably claim to be the oldest 1st team player this year although Chris Ambrosino will be muttering about it not being a really tough league game.
Chi had much the better of the rest of the game with some good handling leading to two tries, often from deep. It could well have been more but for some fine tackling by Cuming at full back. Cuming was again effective ball in hand and looks to be in fine form at present.
Scoring was completed when Robertshaw somehow dropped a goal and the referee immediately blew to end the game, as not a few home players and supporters groaned in disbelief.
The home coaches complimented Langdon Wolsey-Cooper for another good performance while Tingley continues to impress in all parts of the game, with a nose for try scoring that will be attracting attention from at least one other member of the back row.
One disappointing aspect of the day for Heathfield was the penalty count of 12-3 against them and hopefully lessons will have been learnt.
Next week Heathfield return to serious league business when league leaders Beckenham come calling (26 Jan 14.00). In the Bob Rogers Cup Heathfield will next face Hastings in the semi-final on 2nd Feb.