Heathfield 27 Cranbrook 22
Heathfield eventually secured a bonus point win after a Cranbrook resurgence had threatened to overturn a strong early home performance.
In excellent conditions with a firm well-grassed pitch just taking a stud and almost no wind, Cranbrook kicked off down the slight slope. Heathfield started much the stronger and soon a lineout provided good ball which was quickly moved to midfield for Jay Massey-Taylor to open the scoring with a try on the left hand side after barely three minutes. Massey-Taylor looked sharp throughout and will trouble most defences.
A secure lineout was then driven on for about 30 yards before Cranbrook managed an important turnover. It is slightly puzzling that this tactic was not used more thereafter. Then Liam Dunkley made a useful run down the right hand touchline and his kick ahead looked promising until his follow up was checked, perhaps unfairly, and a drop out resulted.
However the drop out went to Heathfield fly half Tom Reilly on the Cranbrook 10m line who coolly dropped a goal with several yards to spare.
At this stage Heathfield were playing some decent rugby at a good pace and points duly followed. With 25 minutes on the clock scrum possession was carried on well and allowed captain Gus Taylor to work his way over for a deserved try. This was followed almost immediately by Heathfield’s try of the day as scrum possession in the HW half was taken on by Tom Tingley, Tom Cornwall and then Ollie Tooke before Lucas Cuming finished under the posts, with Toby Simpson provided the afters.
At 20-0 this could have seemed like game over so it is much to Cranbrook’s credit that they outscored the home side in the rest of the game and the outcome was in doubt right up to the final whistle.
They now put some pressure onto a Heathfield scrum producing a penalty which was quickly taken, (possibly not from the right place!) and ex-Heathfield Colt Fabian Rimmer made good yards into the left hand corner before finding his winger who duly scored.
In the last minutes of the half a minor outbreak of handbags and a threatening counter-attack by Cranbrook were increasing signs that the visitors were competing well and starting to fancy their chances. The travelling support, although outnumbered, were certainly starting to make themselves heard which will have encouraged their team.
At half time Head Coach Sam Goatcher started to use his strong bench. This is completely understandable given the competition for places in the squad but it was noticeable that the team thereafter did not look as effective as in the first period.
Cranbrook had been starting to gain an edge in the scrummage but the introduction of Ollie Wigman seemed to reverse that situation. Wigman also made some useful carries.
The second half opened with an impressive long range penalty by Cranbrook. This was soon answered by Heathfield as Cornwall finally collected due reward for another all round performance with a try at the end of a protracted period of open play. Simpson converted.
However Cranbrook immediately replied as a period of aerial ping-pong ended with ex-Heathfield player Sam Shillabeer fielding a deep kick (although some thought he knocked it on) before setting his backs loose and their left wing finished well in the corner.
This was now a very competitive match. Jo Lewis had had an excellent first half but he now blotted his copybook with some unnecessary niggle at a break down shortly after a referee general warning to both captains – the yellow card was entirely justified. Afterwards there was general agreement that the referee, Mr Joseph Garman, had been excellent with good control and communication.
Even though a man short Heathfield should now have scored as some good all round play with Cornwall prominent took them into the bottom corner and then under the posts. However some white line fever and stout defence meant that the chance was botched.
As usual Rimmer was moving his team forward with some fine kicking. With ten minutes left a canny cross kick created a broken field situation for the Cranbrook left winger and he showed good skill and determination to wriggle through for an important try, converted by Rimmer.
At 27-22 with several minutes left any result was possible. Most of the play was in the visitors 22 but Cranbrook were always looking dangerous on the breakout. Heathfield were adjudged to have been held up on one occasion and on another a fine chip ahead by prop George Walter was nearly capitalised by Cornwall but he couldn’t manage a clean touch down.
Simpson had to make a try-saving, and possibly match winning tackle when Cranbrook did break out and he was the last line of defence. However the threat was contained and the whistle went soon afterwards.
Cranbrook should take much heart from their performance. Before the game their supporters had not been optimistic but they clearly have plenty of spirit which will serve them well in the season ahead.
Heathfield should have learnt much from the day. This is a young team which will improve, especially in some of the tactical management which often seemed flawed after the initial half hour. The Toms (Tingley, Cornwall, Reilly) were mentioned as having decent days along with Ben Irwin for his game management. Debutant Chris Baker-Butler was also noted for some good defensive work.
Next week Heathfield entertain Dover who also started their league campaign today with a home bonus point win (14 Sep 3.00). Finding out other results was difficult after the game as the RFU results service took several hours to function – perhaps the RFU IT Department had not realised that the grassroots season had started.