Folkestone 17 Heathfield 21
Pictures Roger Cuming
Heathfield edged past an energetic and committed Folkestone team who belied their lowly league position. After the impressive back play of last week this time the Heathfield back division never gelled and several scoring chances were botched so this was a closer contest than it should have been.
Conditions were excellent for the time of year. Two weeks ago the pitch had been a mud patch but it was now level and firm with a fair grass covering and taking a stud. On a mostly sunny day there was little wind although it was still distinctly chilly.
Heathfield started well with Sam Crichton making one lengthy run into the home 22 before being stopped. Then good lineout ball was moved wide right but the final pass went astray. Then good ball was secured from a midfield breakdown and moved left where Lucas Cuming then worked and dummied his way through several tackles to score near the left hand corner. Toby Simpson converted well.
After this bright start the visitors may have relaxed and become a little complacent while Folkestone started to show that they were very much up for the contest. A period of strong play moved them into the visitors’ half and was rewarded with a simple penalty. Almost immediately afterwards they again achieved good field position in the left hand corner and efficiently executed a lineout catch and drive for a converted try to take the lead 10-7.
Folkestone made good use of some strong ball carriers in their forwards and the Heathfield coaches were afterwards critical of some of the defensive work with people falling off tackles.
Shortly before half time Folkestone were handicapped by a yellow card for their veteran full back Seyhan Fell for tackling a man without the ball. Heathfield duly finished the half strongly. At a penalty in the right hand corner Heathfield opted for a scrummage and although this was initially defended the ball was then worked into midfield with some useful work by scrum half Ben Irwin before Ollie Tooke popped up to dive over under the posts.
Heathfield had enjoyed a strong scrummage in the first half while lineouts were generally even.
Heathfield further exploited the extra man at the start of the second half as they secured an attacking scrum from which Irwin made a break, then chipped ahead and dived on the ball under the posts.
Folkestone again upped their game in response and turned over the ball in their own half before moving it wide and good handling down the right flank produced a fine try, duly converted to bring them within 4 points. With nearly half an hour remaining most would have been surprised if told that there would be no more scoring in the game.
Folkestone were still looking dangerous on the break with their inside centre Louie Watson being especially noted for his effective runs.
However Heathfield generally had more of the rest of the game and indeed had a couple of periods pressing the home try line at short range. The stout home defence did well but there were also several handling errors out wide by the visitors backs when a score looked likely.
As the minutes ticked down Heathfield were given a penalty in a kickable position which would have stretched the lead to 7 points. However an on-field communication error meant that they kicked for the corner and again Folkestone managed to clear their lines. Heathfield supporters were becoming concerned that Folkestone might manage to snatch a result with a break out in the last moments and the play became a little frantic. Replacement Jack Ruddock was now binned for a high tackle.
Home hopes were dashed a few moments later as the final whistle went.
The much-changed Heathfield backs included three who are normally regarded as fly halves and this may have explained why they never quite functioned as well as hoped.
Folkestone have lost several close games at home recently and their young team will surely improve in the next few seasons. They certainly play with spirit and commitment. It has to be noted that they included three brothers in their team with Edward Faiers starting on the wing and his brothers Frederick and Joseph coming off the bench.
For the second week running there was a good turnout of support at an away game which at times matched the volume of the home support. Away wins in Kent have historically been rare and are highly regarded: this one moves Heathfield into 5th place in the league table. Availabilities next week mean that there will yet again be a different backs line up as the coaches try to find the best combinations.
The players returned to a happy clubhouse at Cross In Hand as the Rangers also secured a 5-24 win away to Uckfield II which involved several of this year’s Colts who are pushing for 1st team places.
Next Saturday Heathfield entertain neighbours Crowborough in a match rearranged from before Christmas (4 Feb 2.30)