Heathfield duly collected a bonus point win over Beccehamians who have made a habit of high-scoring but losing games this season. This 14 try game may be summed up by one senior Heathfield player who commented that ‘we attacked great – and defended like sh1t’. And that comment probably applies to both sides.
Conditions were good. The pitch outside the clubhouse which had been unplayable a week ago was now dry and just taking a stud. It was still stodgy in places and will have been a good test of fitness. On a generally sunny day the variable but chilly breeze was not a significant factor.
In the first half hour of the game each side took turns to score so that after half an hour and six tries there was still only a two point difference at 17-15. Beccs opened the scoring as a penalty gave them good position on the left hand side and they soon worked their way over. A few minutes later Harry Slinnhawkins made the first of his several big breaks on the day leading to a breakdown near the visitors’ try line and Chris Baker-Butler was able to work his way over for the try. Toby Simpson converted. However in the process a Beccs player had been noted with a high tackle two yards out and was duly binned. For the second time this season referee Mark Shaw impressed with his calm unfussy control.
Again a penalty allowed Beccs to establish themselves in the home 22 and quick ball from several phases gave their fly half Fred Jasper a walk in on the right hand side. This was soon countered as good Heathfield handling again reached the visitors try line and although denied once another attack ended with Simpson finishing well on the left hand side.
Naturally Beccs replied almost immediately as a missed tackle in midfield was clinically exploited for a try in the bottom right hand corner. Heathfield charged straight back into the top right corner and the ball was quickly moved wide left for Jay Massey-Taylor to mark his welcome return to the side with an efficient finish.
The game turned decisively in the last few minutes of the half as Heathfield scored two converted tries without response. First Simpson collected his second on the day when a move broke down, the ball was hacked ahead and he followed up to retrieve the ball to score the bonus point try. Then in the last play of the half good scrum ball was worked through several phases before Charlie Hannan still had plenty to do before finishing well near the posts.
The half time score of 31-15 slightly exaggerated the difference between the two teams as the visitors were handicapped by the lack of a place kicker – none of their tries on the day were converted. The set piece was even. Both sides generally secured their own lineouts and scrums. Heathfield had the benefit of the slight slope to come and will have been optimistic of securing the win from this situation.
This was soon reinforced as Heathfield regathered possession from the restart and after several phases Jasper Folkes boshed his way over from short range. In keeping with the fluctuating character of the contest Beccs charged back and collected their bonus point try from short range.
Almost immediately Heathfield again built their way back into the visitors 22 and this time Sam Walley continued his fine try scoring season in a heap of bodies beside the posts.
At 43-20 with a quarter of the game to go the outcome was clear so everyone got on with enjoying the game without any great tension. A Heathfield move on the half way line looked to have been contained until a delightful inside pass by Ben Irwin found Walley on a good line and he was able to stroll over under the posts. (50-20)
Maybe Heathfield relaxed a little hereafter but that should not detract from the way that Beccs clearly had the better of the rest of the game. One attack was over the line but held up. With five minutes left scrum half Freddie Sweeting spotted a hole in the middle of a lineout and then had enough gas to reach the try line untouched.
Finally some more characteristically good handling saw one of the visitors’ second row make a big run into the top corner for the final score - although Slinnhawkins blotted his copybook for some indiscretion in the process and was duly binned.
Beccehamians played a full part in this entertaining game and Heathfield will look forward to playing them next season. Their half backs Jasper and Sweeting were especially effective while both second row made considerable contributions.
Naturally Heathfield were pleased to collect the bonus point win but there will be concerns about some defensive issues. There was a notable consensus that Hannan had been the most impressive player on the day with excellent tackling and some skilful runs. Aiden Plumley and Folkes were also noted for their particular contributions.
While today’s result keeps Heathfield very much in contention in the tussle for the runner-up position in the league table, the visit next week to Sevenoaks will be critical. Sevenoaks surprisingly lost today so they will probably be especially keen to make a point – having only just beaten Heathfield by one point in an eventful game at Waldron in January. (28 Mar 3.00)