Cranbrook 26 Heathfield 38
Pictures Roger Cuming

The Cranbrook report is at http://www.cranbrookrugby.com/cranbrook_rugby_kent/file/s1.php.
It includes many details which are therefore not repeated here.

Heathfield finally collected a clear victory over old rivals and neighbours Cranbrook in an entertaining nine try game in remarkably benign conditions.
The game was in the balance until the last minutes which kept the excellent crowd of supporters from both clubs well entertained. Heathfield’s conversion of penalties may have provided most of the winning margin but the game was decided by the visitors’ novel back division who played with freedom and no little skill.
Cranbrook’s main pitch was still partially frozen so the game was played on the nearby school pitch which had a good grass covering and was entirely free of frost. In fact the distinct slope to one corner may have reminded some Heathfield players of the pitch at Waldron with a similar contour.
Both sides were suffering from extensive changes in their back division compared to the lineups in previous games. In the event the unfamiliar Heathfield three quarters enjoyed some of the most dynamic back play seen by this team in recent years with Lucas Cuming providing pace and skill at fly half which enabled those outside him to flourish. The main beneficiary was centre Jay Massey-Taylor who collected three tries but all of the backs looked sharp and dangerous.
The low sun made for difficult catching of high balls for the team playing up the slight slope and full back Harry Slinnhawkins was particularly praised for his several catches under pressure in the first half. On his first start at this level after just one previous cameo appearance he also made several useful runs and will be even more effective as he learns to trust the players around him.
Dan Canneaux was making one of his rare appearances at this level and he made some solid contributions especially in the first half. He was later replaced by George Hayter who made a positive impact in the scrum as well as some useful work in defence. Colt Cole Mackensie also made his first and useful appearance at this level as a replacement.
The first scrummage was ominous for Heathfield as they were shunted back several yards. Skipper Gus Taylor had to make the first of numerous salvage missions at number 8 as he somehow produced usable ball under severe pressure. The visitors scrum only conceded two penalties in that phase all game as they bravely kept their shape under pressure. It can be argued that Cranbrook did not exploit their dominance in that phase as much as they should have done.
The lineout was generally even while Heathfield probably edged the breakdown with Dylan Eames being particularly noted for his efforts over the ball.
The scoring sequence with approximate timings was:
15 mins Cranbrook try Fabian Rimmer Conversion by him 7-0
20 Heathfield try Jay Massey Taylor 7-5
28 Heathfield penalty Toby Simpson 7-8
33 Cranbrook try Beau Archer 12-8
36 Heathfield try Lucas Cuming 12-13
40 Heathfield try Jay Massey Taylor Conversion Simpson 12-20
Second half
2 Cranbrook try Jack Lamb drop kick conversion Rimmer 19-20
9 Heathfield penalty Simpson 19-23
13 Heathfield try Jay Massey Taylor Conversion Simpson 19-30
30 Cranbrook try Elliott Barbour conversion Rimmer 26-30
33 Heathfield try Simpson 26-35
39 Heathfield penalty Simpson 26-38
Simpson at scrum half was playing out of his preferred position but kept his back line moving well and late on happily snapped up his try opportunity. This try, two conversions and three penalties keeps him as the league’s top points scorer.
Those three penalties represent most of the difference in the final score which demonstrates the importance of keeping the scoreboard ticking even when siren voices are urging a kick to the corner.
Heathfield coaches were pleased with the low penalty count of just 5 against them all game while the home team were catching the ref’s eye all too often.
Cranbrook had the compensation of a deserved try bonus point – you don’t lose many games after scoring four tries. Their Head Coach Chris Catt particularly mentioned Tom Humphreys who came on as a replacement flanker and did much good work in all phases. The two clubs remain closely matched in the middle of the league table.
There was an excellent turnout of Heathfield supporters who will have enjoyed the expansive attacking style of both teams as well as the final outcome. It is to be hoped that some of those supporters will make the trek to south east Kent next week when the team visit Folkestone (28 Jan 2.00)