Heathfield just edged a well-contested and entertaining game by five tries to four against a resilient Dover team who are also having a good season and who rarely lose at home.
Conditions were remarkably good for mid-February in a year of rainfall of biblical proportions. The pitch was firm and reasonably dry with a mild breeze up the slight slope. Heathfield had first use of the slope but neither slope nor the wind was a significant factor on the day.
Indeed the visitors struck first as a Dover chip into the right hand corner was retrieved by Harry Slinnhawkins who could have taken the easy option of a kick to touch. A step inside and he set off a move downfield and quick recycled ball allowed Ben Irwin to work his way over near the posts for the opening score, converted by Harry Westgate.
Dover immediately responded with continuous pressure into the visitors’ half aided by several penalties. Eventually a lineout in the left hand corner was driven over and the conversion levelled the score.
With my naturally superb hindsight this was probably the critical period of the game. Dover had majority possession and position for extended periods but were unable to add to the score. Television pundits often look at the number of visits to the opposition half and the resulting points. In this respect Heathfield scored highly as just their second entry to the home 22 after 30 minutes produced their second try. Clever interplay between Toby Simpson and Charlie Hannan nearly ended with a try before the ball was worked wide right and Sam Walley boshed his way over from the subsequent lineout.
Then solid scrum ball was carried on by Walley and Tom Cornwall before Irwin darted in for his second on the day. Heathfield finished the half strongly as a chip ahead into the left hand corner was just too long.
The half time huddles were revealing as the home coaches were noisily addressing various issues while the Heathfield equivalent was quiet and seemed well-focussed. The set piece was clearly being edged by Dover. Their lineout only failed once in the game by my figures. They have little height but are an accurate and well-drilled unit. Their scrum had Heathfield under pressure although it was never dominant. Heathfield were very appreciative of both props Reece Webb and Jack Ruddock making themselves available and they both contributed significantly.
The second half was more incident-filled so this report can only provide an outline.
Heathfield started the half brightly with some good handling across the park before the referee was knocked over in a melee. Then a messy situation on the right flank ended with a fly-hack ahead towards the home try line and Toby Simpson was on hand to regather the ball and touch down for the bonus point try. Some home supporters queried a possible foot in touch by Heathfield in this sequence and it looked a close call to me.
Dover soon replied as their lineout as usual produced good ball and after a couple of phases a prop drove over from short range. Harry Westgate was binned for some malpractice in the process.
In spite of being a man short Heathfield built a good attack into the home half and a kickable penalty resulted. However Simpson’s kick only challenged the crossbar which could have been critical.
Entering the last quarter and just before Westgate returned from the bin, another Dover lineout was driven on many yards before and again a prop was able to charge over for a try.
At 17-24 and with Dover having some momentum the game was well in the balance. However Heathfield were playing some good rugby ball in hand and with less than ten minutes left a penalty provided a good attacking position in the left hand corner. Possession was worked through a couple of phases before Dylan Parsons dived into the corner for an important score and a 12 point lead.
The game now became a little feisty with Dover charging into the left hand corner resulting in some handbags. From the resulting tapped penalty the ball was moved wide right and their right winger dived into the corner for their bonus point try. Slinnhawkins was then binned for what was probably a team yellow.
With less than five mnutes remaining Dover may have had hopes of snatching a draw with a converted try but most of the play was in the home half and eventually the final whistle went.
Dover probably feel that they did not play as well as then can on the day. They clearly have a very effective set piece but rarely penetrated out wide. It is noteworthy that three of their tries were scored by front-rowers from short range. By contrast Heathfield often looked comfortable ball in hand across the park with four of their tries being scored by backs. As usual this season the Heathfield back row were critically influential, led by Walley again making huge yards.
The result leaves Heathfield in third place in the league, level on league points with Sevenoaks 2 but with a just inferior points difference, albeit with Deal and Dover in close attendance.
The Heathfield players much appreciated the few supporters who made the trek to East Kent who may well feel that they got the better value compared to those who stayed home to watch another disappointing England performance at Murrayfield.
Heathfield next turn to Cup duty as they visit Eastbourne in the semifinal of the Sussex Bob Rogers Cup. Eastbourne are having a half decent season in the Counties 1 Surrey/Sussex league so this could be a close encounter. (21 Feb 2.00) That said the weather and pitch conditions could well affect what happens.