Heathfield Ladies ended their season with a solid bonus point win away at Aylesford although the final score line was less than had seemed likely at half time.
Aylesford had rightly celebrated the achievements of their Ladies section at a pre-match lunch attended by many of their former players including Cath Spencer the former England captain and previous Aylesford player. At the lunch an award was made to the current home player Carly Walker who is recovering from cancer but is now back on the pitch where she made a strong contribution at hooker on the day. Respect!
Conditions were excellent with a dry pitch with reasonable grass cover on an occasionally sunny day with a variable breeze down the slight slope. For some reason on one of the warmer and sunnier days of the year thus far the floodlights on the pitch were turned on throughout the game.
Heathfield played up the slope initially and the game was effectively decided by half time as at times they played some clinically effective rugby. Aylesford started with some pressure into the bottom left hand corner but a turnover allowed Velvet Turner and Georgia Reed-Davies to work their way back upfield. The ball duly came back from the breakdown and good hands gave Holly Brooks the little space she needs and a try on the left hand side resulted, well converted by Megan Plane into the swirling breeze.
As the game settled down Heathfield appeared to have a clear edge on the scrum and combined with some multiple turnovers at the breakdown they were generally on the front foot. Reed-Davies also caught the eye with one thumping tackle at this point.
Good turnover ball gave Brooks the opportunity for another useful run that was carried over the line by Chip Chippett but she was adjudged to have been held up – looked a fair call to me.
However approaching the end of the first quarter Aylesford secured some scrambled scrum possession which was moved into midfield where Heathfield turned the ball over and quickly moved it to Brooks on the left wing. She duly beat the cover to touch down under the posts for her fifth try in two games – at this stage even more seemed likely.
Aylesford were making good use of the wind to gain ground although Heathfield often used this to run back effectively. Another piece of Aylesford scrambled scrum possession was again moved into midfield and again a turnover gave the visitors a good attacking opportunity: this time Plane eventually worked her way over on the right hand side.
The last few minutes saw something of a Carol concert (sorry bad pun, won’t do it again) as skipper Carol Skinner won an important of turnover and then was on the end of a sequence of phases to charge over for the bonus point try. (0-26)
At half time the Heathfield coaches were hopeful of an even better second half with the conditions in their favour to come. It was expected that there would be plenty of kicking to exploit the slope and breeze. That this did not happen is probably down to several things. First it has to be said that Aylesford, who have been having a difficult season, refused to buckle and put in a gutsy and committed effort that bodes well for their future, whatever the usual league rearrangements produce.
Heathfield may have relaxed a little with the bonus point already in the bag and the result apparently obvious. Aylesford started the second half with noticeable energy and much of the game was in the visitor’ half.

For whatever reason Heathfield rarely kicked effectively in the second period and when they did it seemed to go straight to the home full back who often ran back with interest. They were also helped as their scrummage held up rather better in this period although this may have been down to Heathfield rotating players off the bench.
After just over ten minutes into the half Maya Champion produced her most effective kick of the day with a 50/22 to secure a great attacking position. Although the lineout was lost, Heathfield soon regained possession at a breakdown and then good hands and a strong run by Chippett gave her a deserved try.
Aylesford probably had the better of the rest of the game. Plane was noted with an important tackle to deny them what seemed an inevitable score. Aylesford hammered away in the top right hand corner but the Heathfield defence has been one of their particular strengths this year and it again proved up to the task.
The penalty count against Heathfield had been rising and a final warning had been issued so it was no surprise when Amilie Hood was binned for allegedly not rolling away. However Aylesford were unable to exploit the extra player.
The Heathfield coaches were probably more irritated than anything else as their side continued to try to run the ball out of their 22 when sensible kicking would have been the better option. The lack of calm game management is something that can be addressed as players gain experience.
The league season thus finally finished for Heathfield Ladies with a comfortable but slightly unsatisfactory performance. The National Challenge 1 league has been thoroughly competitive. Heathfield can look at their two draws and five losing bonus points as an indication that they are very near to being a top half team and even promotion candidates.
Many of the team are part of the Sussex County squad who will still be playing well into May but the remainder can enjoy a rest before pre-season starts in July!