Southwark Lancers 20 Heathfield 12
Heathfield lost their position qt the top of the SE3 league to a well-drilled Southwark Lancers side that grew in confidence as the game went on.
This will be a surprising result to many but on the day it was an entirely fair outcome which reflected the critical fact that Heathfield had a team lacking in the one area in which Southwark had particular strength on the day. The results thus far in the league season had suggested that this should have been a straightforward win for the visitors and it is possible that they initially took the opposition too lightly.
Regular readers of these reports will be surprised to hear that there was a slight slope but that and the variable breeze across the pitch were not significant factors on the day.
A group of ‘exotic’ dancers practicing nearby added to a distinctly different match day experience but in spite of the different inner-city environment pre-match preparations were ok. The playing surface was firm and dry but it is one of the smaller playing areas with the added complication that many line kicks ended up outside the security fence on the neighbouring Coburg Road.
With hindsight the game was effectively decided in the first twenty minutes as Southwark scored two tries from efficient lineout catch and drives. They had two especially tall lineout operators and are a well-drilled side who efficiently drove over to give pleasure to their coaches Their first try was duly converted but Sam Williams showed why it is worth trying to charge down conversions when he saved two points from the second home try. By chance this week Heathfield were lacking four second rows with particular lineout skills and Southwark quite rightly exploited the opportunity.
Between the home tries Heathfield had started to get their own game going and were rewarded by a Sean Crozier penalty. Heathfield had an increasing amount of possession in the rest of the half and at times played some excellent rugby but too many attacks were stymied in midfield. They did pick up two more penalties for a half time score of 12-9.
Tom Pritchard took an early knock to his ankle which needed strapping up but he was nevertheless thereafter the most effective operator at close quarters for Heathfield with repeated tackles and contests for the ball, not always to the referee’s satisfaction. The Heathfield coaches were concerned that the referee’s interpretation of the breakdown allowed the home side to flop over the ball too much and thus deny Heathfield the quick ball on which they thrive.
While the home lineout was probably the decisive factor on the day it would be unfair to point at the Heathfield second row who both had good days otherwise. Ed Koops again carried well and made at least one key turnover while Lars Thorkildsen put in the necessary heavy shift and was later noted with some good handling and awareness in an attacking situation.
One promising attack into the right hand corner from a Williams run produced quick ruck ball and a well-timed run by Tom Cornwall was only just contained by the home defence.
The Heathfield scrummage was gradually achieving an edge against the distinctly larger home pack. In spite of the home side’s early dominance in the lineout it later became a messy and uncertain phase for both teams.
The start of the second half was marked by the first occasion that the new 50-22 law has been applied in Heathfield games this season. From the resulting lineout the ball was moved wide and although the attack was just contained another penalty levelled the scores.
The game was now a well-contested dogfight with neither side able to achieve control. The home side will not have been helped by the retirement of their 48 year old second row Montgomery King who had been one of their useful lineout operators. In spite of retreating scrum possession under pressure the home no 8 Jacob Langmead-Jones often made good yards and Heathfield afterwards picked him out as their best player.
Southwark now had an extended period around the visitors 22 with repeated phases as they retained possession but could not penetrate the determined defence. Entering the last quarter Southwark had a kickable penalty opportunity but chose to go for the corner. Heathfield somehow scrambled the ball away and it momentarily felt that this might have been a pivotal moment.
However in the last quarter Southwark showed increasing confidence and it was no surprise when they collected a deserved try with about ten minutes remaining through good handling and support play.
With the minutes ticking down Heathfield had a penalty chance which would at least have given them a losing bonus point but the kick drifted just wide.
Southwark operate in a different environment from many clubs in several ways – Heathfield started as a pub-based team so recognised some of the issues. They seem to have a sizeable player base but have difficulty in consistency of selection so their results will inevitably fluctuate. They will probably upset other well-regarded teams but also have some poor outcomes. Heathfield will certainly look forward to the return fixture on a full-size patch of Sussex clay.
The coach journey was initially subdued but duly picked up tempo with an enthusiastic but ragged rendering of Heathfield Ranger – I’ve heard better but morale in the squad is clearly strong and should absorb today’s result as part of a long season with inevitable highs and lows. Spirits were lifted by the news of a good win for the 2nd team away at Crowborough. After a difficult start that team is starting to play some decent rugby and thus provide the necessary depth for the 1st team. However that game was sadly curtailed by a serious injury to a Crowborough player – reportedly a broken leg – and Heathfield wish him a speedy recovery.
Next Saturday Heathfield entertain Maidstone who had a comfortable home win today (6 Nov 2.30)