Heathfield 29 Bromley 25
What a cracking game of rugby - a credit to all involved. 8 tries, lead changing hands repeatedly, result in doubt till the last play of the game – and from Heathfield’s point of view a bonus point win at the end of it all.
On a dry firm surface with little wind, conditions were excellent and both sides responded with a willingness to play open rugby even if it stressed a few heart pacemakers later on. The decent crowd included a good number of travelling supporters so this was a noisy, good-humoured and entertaining afternoon.
Bromley had a much changed side following their big game against Beccehamians last week and like the home team included a number of younger players who will hopefully progress on to regular senior rugby.
Heathfield had first use of the slight slope but this was not a factor on the day. Indeed Bromley had slightly the better of the opening phases and although one penalty chance went astray it was soon followed with another to give them the lead.
Heathfield naturally responded and scrum ball was worked wide left for Toby Simpson to put Harry Slinnhawkins in for a good try, although the conversion was missed.
The game was now fluctuating all over the pitch. Bromley were handicapped by a couple of injuries at this point but they still managed to mount a serious attack on the home try line but looked to have dropped the ball over the line. In reply good carries by Tom Cornwall and Sam Crichton secured a good position near the bottom corner resulting in a penalty but, surprisingly to some, it was decided to go for points rather than the corner. The kick was missed but soon afterwards more good scrum ball was worked wide left and Simpson finished emphatically in the corner, this time converting.
In the last minutes of the half Bromley surged back into the top corner and Jem Macvicker was now binned for not retreating 10 m. The visitors then moved good lineout ball into midfield where something went wrong in the home defensive organisation and a Bromley centre duly took advantage to touch down under the posts for a half time score of 12-10.
Half time changes saw Cole Mackenzie, Sean Crozier and Ollie Wigman join the contest. Soon after the restart Bromley collected three points to put them back in the lead (12-13)
Heathfield were starting to get some sort of control of the game at this point and although one penalty chance was missed after 15 minutes another was successful to put Heathfield back in front.
Early in the last quarter Heathfield kicked loosely out of defence and the visiting full back George Hawkins made a fine run down the right touchline before putting his winger in for a good try.
At this point replacement Wigman, who had been making a good impact in the scrummage and carrying the ball, took the ball into heavy traffic but received a serious and clearly painful leg injury. As he could not be moved until the ambulance arrived (over an hour later) the game was moved to Wilson-Rhodes.
The game continued in the same fluctuating pattern on the new surface. Crichton made yet another big carry before finding Sean Crozier in support who, after an outrageous dummy, strolled over under the posts.
Home supporters hopes that this had ended the matter were soon rudely dashed as Bromley to their huge credit charged back to the other end and a period of pressure was rewarded with their bonus point try near the posts from short range with just five minutes left on the clock and the score line of 22-25 leaving all results possible.
All of the last minutes were in the visitors’ half. From a tap penalty Crichton was adjudged to have been held up and home hopes were dwindling. However good scrum ball was then worked wide right and eventually Slinnhawkins claimed the winning and bonus point try in a messy heap of bodies in the right hand corner, converted by Simpson.
Given the disruption to their team this week Bromley will be rightly proud of their performance on the day which nearly snatched a result. In Aaron Godden they fielded probably the shortest no 8 most have seen at this level and he was particularly praised by the home team afterwards.
The home coaches gave particular credit to all of their front row with skipper Dan Bird putting in a massive shift, Reece Webb tackling everything and Ollie Tooke behaving like a flanker even while scrummaging against serious weight. Crichton’s multiple carries were also much admired but Head Coach Dave Cook gave special mention to scrum half Colt Harry Westgate who looked completely at ease in this senior company.
Results elsewhere do suggest that end of season factors are coming in to play as promotion and relegation are no longer concerns for some teams. Nonetheless Heathfield are now assured of at least a fifth place in the final table which will represent the highest the club has ever achieved.
However before that happy ending, next week Heathfield visit Beccehamians who lie third in the table and who will want to finish their league season on a positive note after their surprising loss to Cranbrook today.
There will be a coach to Beccehamians with a few places available to supporters – details to follow.