Heathfield 40 Beccehamians 15
Pics from Roger Cuming
Heathfield secured their third successive bonus point win with a convincing six tries to three victory over a Beccehamians side who also arrived on the back of three wins but were firmly despatched by an impressive home team performance.
In superb conditions with little wind on a sunny day and the pitch looking immaculate Beccs had first use of the slight slope. After a somewhat frantic first few minutes Heathfield began to establish some control and a precise chip by Sean Crozier put the home side into the left hand corner. The visitors were now handicapped by some unnecessary foul play by their fly half who duly saw yellow. A promising Heathfield attack was turned over and a fine counter took Beccs to the bottom right hand corner. They now developed a series of attacks that took some stout defence to repel but eventually their big men collected fair reward with a try on the right hand side.
At this stage the eventual final outcome would have seemed highly improbable as Beccs looked a good unit with big ball carriers supported by some useful three quarters. However Heathfield were gradually starting to fight their way into the contest. Much of the game at this stage was in midfield with no clear pattern. Ben Irwin produced one precise chip ahead that Tom Cornwall retrieved in the visitors 22 but the defence contained the threat.
Heathfield were starting to develop some phases with Sam Crichton often making good yards. Good position in the right hand corner near the clubhouse balcony was exploited and a well-organised maul was driven over for Cornwall to claim the points, duly converted by Toby Simpson to give Heathfield the lead (7-5).
A few minutes later a kick out of defence by Beccs reached skipper Gus Taylor lurking on the 10m line and he produced a precise crosskick which found debutant second row Will Chambers who charged through a wrong-footed defence for a try under the posts. Chambers had a very promising game generally.
In the last play of the half the useful Beccs full back took a heavy knock and he had to retire with probable concussion.
The half time score of 14-5 suggested that the game was in the balance. The visitors lineout looked a very effective unit while the home operation was having a relatively poor day. The larger Beccs scrum was generally being contained by the home pack with all of the front row having excellent games against their sizeable opponents.
The home defence was looking generally sound with Lucas Cuming being especially noted in this respect.
Heathfield started the second half well with Jack Ruddock making some strong tackles. An attacking scrum in the right hand corner looked promising but a knock on foiled the opportunity. However soon afterwards another good scrum on that side provided good ball which was worked left and reached Liam Dunkley a few yards out. Although struggling with a dodgy leg, he shrugged off initial tackles and then barged his way over for a fine score. He was then replaced by Jayden Rainbow.
By now Heathfield were bossing the game with most of the play in the visitors’ half. A good cross kick to Archie Adam on the right wing nearly worked but he knocked on under pressure – the defender may have been lucky not to be carded for taking Adam out in the air. Adam had a typically combative game and can become a very useful player.
The bonus point try was collected by Crichton who charged over from short range as a deserved reward for the number of yards he makes most games nowadays.
Cornwall had to retire and Dan Canneaux made the most of his cameo appearance with some strong work at close quarters.
With just over ten minutes remaining Simpson capped his fine game with a solo try when he ran on to good scrum ball from Taylor, chipped ahead and somehow regathered the ball to work his way over in spite of a couple of defenders. Simpson also converted five out of the six tries, not all straightforward.
Although the result was now clear Beccs on balance had the better of the last few minutes with two tries as fair reward for their resilience. Their no 8 Isaac Keighley was one of their best players throughout the game and he was at the heart of their final, albeit unavailing, efforts.
Between the two visitors’ tries Heathfield completed their scoring with a try for replacement Callum O’Reilly following good ball from a lineout and yet another strong carry from Crichton.
This was a team result that had looked unlikely given the relative league positions. The pack generally, and especially the front row, were praised afterwards for their efforts in both tight and loose against some distinctly large opposition.
Simpson, Irwin and Cornwall were all mentioned in despatches but the President’s Man of the Match award went to Taylor who had a strong all round game – as long as he doesn’t try that cross kick every game hereafter!
Results elsewhere in this league reflect the erratic nature of the season with many clubs suffering from injury and availability issues. Heathfield with a small player base are only too well aware of these problems and need to gain league points while they can.
Next week Heathfield visit Ashford who are having an excellent season (15 Oct 3.00)