Narrow loss in rural Kent

Vigo 12 Heathfield 11
Vigo just scraped over the winning line in this close SE3 league game which was the first encounter between two very similar clubs in terms of community basis and ethos. There had been concern in Heathfield ranks before the game that the team would be too callow against older and bigger opponents since the team had an average age of just under 22 with seven players aged 20 or less while Vigo averaged over 26.
Some senior members on both sides (Bird, Burdett from HW) turned out to have played with and against each other many years ago and generally this was a good rugby day on and off the pitch: we look forward to building relations between the two clubs.
Increasing light rain and a cold day made for difficult handling but the error count was lower than might have been expected. It also made note taking difficult so apologies for the lack of detail.
Vigo had first use of the slope and a fluctuating slight breeze although they did not make significant use of those factors. Indeed the majority of the play was in the home half but Heathfield were unable to find the key to unlock the sturdy home defence.
Vigo looked threatening on the counter with an early move down their left flank being a harbinger of things to come. Increasing Heathfield pressure resulted in two kickable penalties with Lucas Cuming succeeding with the second.
All of the Heathfield back row were picked out for praise afterwards with Oli Robertshaw making a particular impact on his seasonal reappearance, along with Owen Hayhurst having his first start for the team and Tom Cornwall having another effective game. They won multiple turnovers and were key to keeping the home side pinned in their own half.
The scrummage was a good contest all day with neither side having dominance. Notably the penalty count in the first half was 11 to 3 against Vigo but they somehow avoided any yellow peril.
At the half way mark Heathfield may have felt that they had done the hard work against the elements but any complacency was soon shattered. Even with limited opportunities it had been apparent that Vigo’s outside centre Liam Byrne-Stevens was a dangerous runner so it was no particular surprise when he danced round multiple tackles early in the second half for a fine solo score, duly converted.
Vigo had started the second half with increased energy, doubtless refreshed by sheltering in their changing room at half time while Heathfield braved the increasing cold drizzle. On several occasions the home side showed good hands across the team with number 8 Ben Moorhouse being a notably effective carrier.
They nearly extended their lead in the left hand corner but were just foiled by desperate defence and a knock on.
Heathfield were making better use of the elements in this half with repeated kicks into the bottom corner, especially from fly half Toby Harrison. Neither side had complete control of the game with play in all parts of the pitch.
However with fifteen minutes remaining Vigo collected the decisive score when a defensive Heathfield 5 metre scrum initially went well but the ball slipped out of the side and flanker David Winstone gleefully pounced to claim an easy score (12-3).
This fired up Heathfield who surged back down the slope with Robertshaw making a series of big carries into the shadow of the home posts and eventually Vigo conceded a penalty which Cuming duly knocked over (12-6).
In turn Vigo charged back and were also awarded a kickable penalty but it drifted wide. Heathfield coach Dave Cook now used all his substitutes with Jack Ruddock, James Woodroofe and Jez Burdett joining the contest.
As the clock was running down Heathfield pressed into the bottom corner and a secure scrum was moved wide for Tom Tingley to make useful ground – when the ball came back from the breakdown it was shipped to Burdett who managed to work his way over in spite of attention from several defenders.
The conversion would have won the game but it was just pulled wide and the final whistle went.
Heathfield were disappointed not to have snatched the victory but can be satisfied with the losing bonus point given the youth of the team which continues to bode well for the future.
Both second row had a hard-working day against mature opposition with Harry Hodierne being noted with some excellent defensive work while debutant Fergus Keegan certainly justified his selection.
Fraser Goatcher, skipper for the day in place of the sick Gus Taylor, was pleased with the overall performance picking out the number of turnovers in particular.
The league table may not look too pleasing for Heathfield so far but today’s performance against a team much higher up the table shows that they are very competitive at this level and results will come.
Next week Heathfield entertain old foes Bromley with whom there have been many close encounters over the years (16 Nov 2.30).