Hastings & Bexhill 6 Heathfield 25
Heathfield started the new decade with a comfortable five tries to nil win against old rivals Hastings & Bexhill in this Bob Rogers Sussex Cup. Conditions were as good as they can possibly be in January on a decent firm pitch with minimal wind and just a low sun causing problems at one end.
The game was effectively decided in the first half as Heathfield ran in four tries against a solitary home penalty. The first try came from a coach’s dream start as Heathfield retrieved the kickoff and then worked through several phases, first going wide right and then switching back to the left hand corner where Munch May touched down with less than two minutes on the clock.
Hastings immediately showed they were up for the contest as their backs ran some good lines to test the visitors’ defence which just held with Dan Jones making one key contribution.
Heathfield had a clear edge in the scrum at this stage and this kept the pressure on the home side. Colt Luca Rosenburg was making his first senior appearance at fly half and was one of the standout performers on the day with creative, slippery running and sturdy defensive work against much bigger opponents. He now made an incisive run to give good field position and soon afterwards from an attacking scrum Jones was able to finish well in the right hand corner.
At this stage Heathfield were playing some attractive rugby with everyone wanting to carry the ball. All of the front row were noted with useful yards ball in hand. Second row Sam Crichton, making his first appearance for Heathfield and who is only just over 18, normally broke the gain line on his frequent carries and with his solid work in tight and loose looks a valuable addition to the squad.
At the end of the first quarter the home side did knock over a penalty but this was soon answered by an excellent score by the visitors as good hands, with more clever work from Rosenburg, allowed Jeyden Rainbow to dive over in the left hand corner.
The half ended with another period of visitors’ pressure and eventually secure ball from a scrum saw Jones collect his second try on the day in the right hand corner for a half time score of 3-20.
Although Heathfield had an early edge in the scrum the home side gradually achieved some stability. The visitors’ lineout benefited from Tom Tingley’s return to that phase and generally provided good ball while the home operation was less effective.
The second half was a quieter affair with just two scores. Perhaps Heathfield relaxed given the score line but Hastings monopolised possession for over twenty minutes although without ever being able to penetrate the sound visitors’ defence. They did pick up an early penalty but even that decision suggested a lack of confidence in their ability to reach the try line.
The home back division has some strong and skilful runners but the referee afterwards commented that one major difference between the teams was that Hastings attacked from too far out and could thus be contained while Heathfield had finished more clinically from close range.
Heathfield now replaced both props with Fraser Goatcher and Reece Webb giving way to Tom Watkins and Jack Ruddock. Although the Hastings pack surged forward at the first subsequent scrum, this was a false dawn and thereafter the scrummage was generally even. It is good to see serious competition for places in the front row and this is an area of Heathfield strength at present.
With about ten minutes remaining Heathfield finally reached the home half almost for the first time in the second half and the remaining minutes were mainly played there.
Sam Shillabeer, returning from long term injury, replaced a wounded May who was himself having a first game back after surgery. May had a sound game getting his back division moving and contributing in defence. Liam Waterhouse also came on the last few minutes to develop his experience at this level.
The final score came from yet another Rosenburg break who then chipped through and a defender was unluckily not able to control the ball so Morgan pounced. Morgan had been kicking well during the warmup so was disappointed that all of his conversion attempts failed although they were all from wide out, reflecting Heathfield's backs sharp finishing.
Both teams will have benefited from the game after the holiday break and they should reap rewards next week on the return to league action.
In the next round of the Bob Rogers Cup Heathfield will entertain Haywards Heath but of more immediate concern is the visit of Gillingham Anchorians to Cross In Hand next Saturday (11 Jan 2.00). At the start of the season Heathfield lost by six points in a high scoring game at Gillingham so will be looking to put the record straight.