The rejuvenated Heathfield Rangers (2nd XV) had a comfortable ten tries to two win over a game St Leonards team in this Sussex Vase quarter final.
The game was played at Rye RFC in excellent conditions with a well-grassed pitch on a dry, occasionally sunny, day with a noticeable breeze although that was not a significant factor. A goodly number of supporters had made the journey to Rye and will have enjoyed the day – apart from the Guinness running out.
Late dropouts meant that the home side only had 13 players available. Since Heathfield had a full squad of 21 they were able to lend a couple of players so as to allow a proper contest. All of the visitors’ squad took part, a couple of them for both sides.
From the start of the game the home side had some pressure into the right hand corner. This was gradually contained and then the Rangers struck for the first time. Good lineout ball reached fly half Fin Smith who made an initial break, found Fin Crane in support and was then on hand for the return pass to canter over for a fine try.
This set the pattern for the game with the forward battle being a relatively close contest but generally Heathfield had too much youthful pace and skill for the home side.
After 15 minutes Jacob Woodhouse-Inman received the ball in broken play near the halfway line and then had the strength and pace to break through the defence for a decent individual score.
St Leonards did now manage to reach the visitors’ 5m line but the ball was turned over and the chance was gone. The Rangers charged back to the other end. A tap penalty was cross-kicked with a try looking certain for Jack Haurie-Pelleg but a cruel bounce spoiled his chance. Nonetheless the resulting scrum was turned over and the ball worked wide for Fin Crane to dart in for his first try.
Approaching the half hour injuries to the home side meant that scrums were now uncontested. The last few minutes of the half saw a succession of Rangers tries. First a home lineout was turned over and Crane was again the beneficiary in midfield. Then a tap penalty allowed Dan Suggitt the opportunity to demonstrate some nice footwork in stepping his way to the try line. Then Haurie-Pelleg showed good pace from about the half way to evade a by now tiring defence. From the restart good hands moved the ball to Liam Waterhouse on the left wing to complete the half with another try.
The half time score of 0-43 led to a sensible conversation with St Leonards conceding the match and even more player exchanges.
This resulted in a shortened second half with St Leonards collecting two consolation tries while the Rangers added three more.
Early on Heathfield Head Coach Sam Goatcher, who was now on at scrum half, looked to be about to score but he was miffed to be called back for a final forward pass. Referee Roger Roberts got most calls right on the day and he generally managed the mostly one-sided contest well.
Dan Canneaux muscled his way over for the next try and then Archie Dyson exploited a tap penalty. The Rangers scoring was completed by Tommy Buck working his way over in the right hand corner.
To their credit St Leonards kept working to the end with a couple of their forwards being especially effective and their no 8 especially catching my eye on what was a difficult day for them. Their two tries came from tap penalties and some decent support play.
The Rangers team was a mix of experienced players, some with 1st team experience some years ago, along with younger players including some Colts. This is a stronger side than last year and a good season looks in prospect – as well as being a better environment in which potential 1st team players can gain experience.
The semi-final of the Sussex Vase will be on 15 November against the winners of Bognor III v BSMS which will be played next Saturday.
Before that the Rangers return to league duty when, after a week’s rest, they welcome Hastings II (8 Nov 2.00)
Team 1. Craig Martin 2. Rafe Gibson 3. Tommy Buck 4. Dave Gazza 5. Joe Nicholson 6. Jack Haurie-Pelleg 7. Lynden Fathers 8. Jake Woodhouse-Inman 9. Lee Vockins 10. Fin Smith 11. Liam Waterhouse 12. Dan Suggitt 13. Tristan Surgey 14. Fin Crane 15. Archie Dyson
Replacements 16. Kev Parker 17. Jack Dunnell 18. Dan Canneaux 19. Sam Tiley 20. Sam Goatcher 21. Angus Wright