Ashford defied the relative league positions to collect an away bonus point win in this twice-deferred and entertaining Counties 1 league match. The lead changed hands twice in the last minutes to leave players and spectators alike breathless as they then turned their attention to the (delightful) events in Cardiff.
Pitch conditions were excellent with a dry surface just taking a stud although a steady chill breeze up the slope did have a significant effect on the game. The low temperature combined with the wind effect made it difficult enough for me to hold a pen so ball-handling was always going to be an issue but the players rose to the challenge with some decent interplay by both sides.
Heathfield had some early possession in the visitors’ half without making any serious penetration until skipper Tom Tingley spotted a hole near a breakdown to charge into the 22. Aiden Plumley took the ball on and in due course Ollie Tooke worked his way over near the posts, converted by Toby Simpson.
A few minutes later a Simpson penalty extended the lead. However Ashford regained possession from the restart and a penalty gave them a good attacking position on the left hand side. The resulting catch and drive was being driven on until it went down, illegally apparently, as a penalty try was now awarded.
Heathfield now had a period of pressure in the visitors’ 22. Good ball from a midfield scrum was worked right but the attack was just held in the corner under the balcony. Continuing home pressure now saw two successive charge-downs on the visitors’ 5m line and finally George Walter was on hand to claim his third try of the season.
Although most of the play was in the visitors’ half they did occasionally break out. One effective kick was now retrieved by Simpson and then run back by Charlie Hannan most effectively breaking through and round several tackles. This again gave the home side a good attacking platform and eventually Simpson dived into the right hand corner only for the score to be chalked off for a foot in touch. Other opinions are available.
The half ended with a yellow card for Lucas Cuming for a late tackle. Cumings’ tackling has been a particular strength this season but he probably got it wrong this time.
The half time score of 17-7 did not seem decisive. Neither side’s set piece was completely secure. Heathfield had hardly benefitted from the wind advantage as most of the play was in the visitors’ half. Ashford did make more use of the wind in the second half but that was because they were more often knocked back into their own half.
Ashford soon reduced the deficit with a well-taken try in the right hand corner (my frozen hands failed to note the details). A few minutes later Ashford scrum possession was well worked for their third try on the left hand side to level the scores 17-17.(Frozen hands ditto)
For the next twenty minutes the game became rather scrappy as the outcome was clearly in the balance. Occasional Heathfield forays downfield were knocked back by too many penalties – a recurring theme in some recent games. In the second half the count was 10-4 against Heathfield.
With about ten minutes remaining Ashford finally benefitted from this with a penalty to take the lead. The last few minutes included an increasingly frantic sequence of events.
An Ashford penalty gave them a good position in the right hand corner but the lineout was turned over and the ball was moved down the right flank with Ben Irwin much involved. Some confusing events on the touchline finally saw Plumley collecting a very well deserved try on the right hand side. Plumley was one of the standout players on the day with multiple strong runs ball in hand.
With very few minutes left this might have seemed to be a decisive score. However yet another Heathfield penalty allowed the Ashford kicker to make a long, quite outstanding and brave kick for the corner. The resulting 5m lineout was efficiently driven over for the bonus point and winning try.
In the dying moments Heathfield made repeated attacks in the visitors’ 22 but stout defence just about held out until in a promising situation in the bottom corner a Heathfield handling error brought the game to an end.
Ashford are still in potential relegation trouble so it may be that they just needed the result more than Heathfield who are in relatively comfortable mid-table. The permutations relating to promotion and relegation are too many to be briefly explained here but Ashford have certainly shown themselves worthy of their place in this pleasingly competitive league.
Heathfield next entertain Canterbury 2 who will win the league and promotion if they win the game (22 Mar 3.00).