The Rangers secured another bonus point away win with a dominant first half performance over a game but limited Newick. The home side are to be congratulated on the opening of their new clubhouse which is a great improvement on their old arrangements.
Conditions were good on a pleasantly sunny day and decent albeit claggy pitch.
Heathfield started strongly with a strong run by Jack Ruddock putting his side on the front foot and Callum O’Reilly soon charged over for the first try. Almost immediately a home lineout was turned over for the ball to be moved wide left and Dan Suggitt was able to stroll over on the left hand side.
Tries came steadily for the rest of the first half with Suggitt soon claiming another one, Ruddock deservedly getting the next, Lawrence Patten and Dylan Parsons collecting one each before O’Reilly showed excellent athleticism to touch down two more for three on the day.
Heathfield were generally on the front foot as Oli Robertshaw and Jayden Rainbow marked their return to the pitch with strong performances after at least two seasons out. Generally in this period the team showed good individual skill and tried to play the game at pace with pleasing results with several putting their hand up for first team places.
A half time score of 0-50 would have depressed many teams but Newick can take great credit from their performance thereafter. Head Coach Sam Goatcher was able to rotate his bench for the rest of the game so the team never looked as coherent and Newick increasingly came into the game.
Heathfield did start the second half in the same mode as quick recycled ball was moved wide for Harry Reilly to work his way over in the left hand corner.
However that was the end of the scoring for the visitors as a great hearted performance by the Newick team meant that they actually won the second half 7-5. They gradually built pressure into the visitors’ 22 and after going close a couple of times, eventually worked their way over under the posts.
The rest of the game was a good contest with neither side in control but the try line at either end was rarely troubled.
Apart from those mentioned above I particularly noted Archie Adam with repeated lively contributions while Craig Martin also had an excellent day.
Next week the Rangers return to action when they visit Hastings who are top of the league table at present. (21 Mar 3.00)