Thanet Wanderers 0 Heathfield 18
Heathfield collected a hard-fought but clear win over a tough Thanet Wanderers team who contested well but could not break down the resolute visitors’ defence. After three consecutive losses against the top three sides this reassuring performance keeps Heathfield in a solid mid-table position.
One major difference for Heathfield this week was that the set piece of lineout and scrum were in good order today which provided the secure platform that was missing last week.
Conditions were remarkably good considering the number of games called off elsewhere. The pitch was frost-free with a fair grass covering and there was no significant wind although it was still a seriously cold day.
After a slightly frantic first few minutes the game settled down and Thanet had the first chance to open the scoring but the penalty chance slid wide. Heathfield were starting to establish some rhythm with Sam Crichton making the first of many useful carries into midfield. After ten minutes Toby Simpson made no mistake with his penalty chance to open the scoring for the visitors.
Heathfield were looking dangerous in attack, especially in the backs, and quick ruck ball allowed Jayden Rainbow to make useful yards before the ball was worked to Simpson who chipped ahead into the right hand corner and then pressured the home defender to carry over. The resulting attacking scrum looked promising but the passing in midfield broke down.
Continued Heathfield pressure resulted in a yellow for the home tight head prop although it seemed very early in the game with no warning having been issued.
After twenty five minutes a penalty gave Heathfield a good attacking lineout in the home 22. A clinical catch and drive was held up just short but the ball was worked to Lucas Cuming who popped through a hole on the blindside for the try, converted by Simpson (0-10). Heathfield continued to attack but may have been a little over-confident: a home centre seized on a loose pass in midfield and charged towards the right hand corner but the cover defence just proved adequate.
At the resulting lineout on their own 5m line, Heathfield drove the ball forward through Crichton again and Jem MacVicker before Dion Comerford opened play out and the move was just brought to a halt in the opposite corner just a few yards out. Heathfield were looking good at this stage although Head Coach Dave Cook felt that players were rushing their play a little when a more patient approach would have been preferable.
The half ended with another penalty for Heathfield (0-13).
The home lineout looked a very effective unit throughout the game with good variations and accurate throwing providing secure possession. The visiting lineout was also having a decent day in strong contrast to last week. The scrum was mostly even.
The second half started with a charge down by skipper Gus Taylor which resulted in an attacking lineout in the bottom left hand corner. The ball was driven on from the lineout and a score looked likely but the ball was spilled and the chance was lost.
However soon afterwards an attacking 5m scrum saw Jay Massey-Taylor go close on the left hand side but the ball was retained and Taylor charged over in the corner (0-18). Massey-Taylor has made a strong impression since coming into the team in recent weeks while Taylor had a fine all round game with some critical tackles.
In spite of the score line the home side were far from beaten and on balance had the better of most of the rest of the game with extended attacks in the visitors’ 22. A series of lineouts and scrums provided them with plentiful possession and it took a remarkable defensive effort by Heathfield to keep them out. Dylan Eames was especially effective in mauls, claiming several important turnovers. The penalty count in the half was massively against Heathfield and they may count themselves lucky not to have conceded a yellow card under this pressure.
George Hayter replaced Reece Webb and Will Chambers came into the second row in place of Crichton. In the last few minutes Tom Reilly came on for Liam Dunkley and was noted with some useful defensive work.
Heathfield did occasionally break out from the home pressure but rarely threatened a score. Indeed on one of these breakouts they did finally collect a yellow card when Harry Reilly misjudged a mark situation with the home full back.
The outstanding defensive efforts by the whole team were particularly praised by Coach Dave Cook afterwards. Olly Tooke continues to impress with solid scrummaging combined with a remarkable work rate around the field in attack and defence. Rainbow is becoming a serious jackaller and consequently competition in the back row is intense.
This was the only game in the Counties 1 Kent league today so other teams will now not have the benefit of a blank week in February while Heathfield will then enjoy a week’s rest.
The Thanet Head Coach Mike Pond generously congratulated Heathfield afterwards as he pointed out that Heathfield are the only side this season to have kept a clean sheet against Thanet. They certainly enjoyed the best team food that has been seen this season , albeit followed by the lengthy and noisy journey home.
Next week Heathfield entertain old foes and neighbours Crowborough for what is always an excellent contest whatever the league table may say. (17 Dec 2.00)