1st XV
Matches
Sat 02 Feb 2019
Hastings & Bexhill RFC
10
5
Heathfield & Waldron RFC
1st XV
Tries: H Armstrong
Determined Hastings pack defeat lack-lustre Heathfield

Determined Hastings pack defeat lack-lustre Heathfield

Philip Bell3 Feb 2019 - 11:14
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Cold north wind produces error-strewn game

Hastings 10 Heathfield 5
Hastings will contest the final of the Sussex Bob Rogers Cup after they deservedly beat Heathfield in this deeply forgettable (at least for Heathfield) game in which the home side had the greater will to win.
The two clubs have been playing each other for almost forty years and it was good to see the level of support for the home side from many mature individuals from a few years ago. This was something of a cup final for Hastings while Heathfield seemed to be lacking the intensity that they bring to league games.
The Hastings pitch was in remarkably good condition after the wintry weather in the previous day or so and it could have allowed a decent game of rugby. However a seriously strong chill north wind, almost directly across the pitch, made this a difficult day for ball handling and the error count was unusually high for both sides.
Both clubs are having a difficult year in their respective leagues but Hastings were well fired up for the encounter as is normal for teams challenging allegedly higher ranked sides. This added determination probably decided the day as Hastings mostly won the breakdown area and it was generally afterwards accepted that they wanted it more which is often decisive.
Heathfield had an early chance in the bottom left hand corner but Henry Ross was just denied although it cost the home side a yellow card which the visitors were unable to exploit.
The home side had a penalty chance that went wide and it began to look as though this could be a low scoring affair. Heathfield did again pressure into the bottom corner but crucially failed to exploit the opportunity.
The game was decided in the last few minutes of the half as first Hastings collected a penalty and then their (wily old – so I am told by some bloke called Burdett) left winger snatched on a lucky bounce and had the pace and skill to run in under the posts (10-0).
One area of success for Heathfield was the lineout where Ross was the decisive participant in attack and defence.
Heathfield made multiple changes for multiple reasons at half time and the visiting coaches afterwards thought the bench players were impressive. The maturing Pritchard put in a hard shift although unless I am misinformed he may not have scored. Marcellus Edmunds did especially well with some strong direct running and defensive work. Matt Ryan also came off the bench to do well but learnt that you can’t argue with a policeman, thus earning a yellow card – albeit without any change to the score in his absence.
Dingo Fitzgerald, a rugby novice, continues to impress the coaches and is improving with every game. Reece Webb was noted with some useful physical contributions but the rest of the pack under-performed.
After a half time bollocking, Heathfield had a better second half. Most of the game was in the home half although an early penalty chance was poorly struck. Heathfield were now starting to play and a few minutes later Henry Armstrong completed some decent multi-phase play with a well-taken try, albeit unconverted. This was probably the only period that Heathfield looked like a higher league team.
Heathfield finished the stronger but the home forwards in particular can take much credit for their sturdy efforts that consistently controlled the breakdown as the home supporters sensed a famous and welcome victory.
In the second half Hastings conceded 11 penalties to one and were thus lucky to only receive a yellow card shortly before the close. It can be argued that Heathfield’s persistence in the tap and go from short range in the last few minutes cost them the game but that would not give due credit to a whole-hearted performance by the home pack in particular.
Heathfield next return to league duty with an away trip to Horsham where a repeat of today’s lack of concentration will be severely punished (20 Feb 2.30).

Match details

Match date

Sat 02 Feb 2019

Kickoff

14:00

Location

Team overview
Further reading

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