Haywards Heath U9s and U12s shine at the Sussex County Finals

On Sunday (13 April) Haywards Heath RFC hosted one of the most exciting days in the minis’ and juniors’ calendar, the Sussex Festival Finals, at Whiteman’s Green.
Haywards Heath u9sHaywards Heath u9s
Haywards Heath u9s

HHRFC was proud to be represented in the finals by the U9s and U12s who were two of Heath’s many different age group squads from U7s to U12s having a very successful season.

The U9s put on a dominating display of free flowing, attacking rugby to take the well-deserved title of Sussex Champions for the second year running. The four finalists from East and West Sussex – Heath, Brighton, Crowborough and Worthing - faced off in a round robin tournament. HHRFC were unbeaten in all three matches winning with impressive scorelines in each: HHRFC vs Brighton 7-2 ; HHRFC vs Crowborough 6-3 ; HHRFC vs Worthing 7-2. This was a great reward for the hard work and dedication the U9s have shown towards developing their rugby skills this season under the continued guidance of a team of committed mini coaches.

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U9s squad: Bertie Bravo, William Galbraith-Gibbons, Aon Hooper, Ashton Macleod, Gus Toomer, Toby Vander, Angus Tranter, William Heine [picture above].

The U12s were attempting the almost unthinkable and going for their third County Champions title in a row against a formidable Eastbourne side. This fixture was to be their last competitive game in the minis section before rising to the lofty heights of Junior League rugby next season.

The game kicked off at midday, in the glorious Sussex sunshine, watched by numerous parents and club supporters. Eastbourne kicked off to Heath who found themselves playing up the slight slope in the first half. A frenzied pace was set at the start as each team was quite clearly keen to impose themselves on the opposition. There were some moments of individual brilliance from some of the more seasoned players on the pitch, clearly used to such an occasion, trying to get their team going forward and settle quickly into the game.

It was Eastbourne who struck first only five minutes into the game with a beautifully worked try from a quick line out - a clear warning of their intention to play with tempo, which had caught Heath napping. This seemed to kickstart Heath into playing their own strong brand of rugby and it wasn’t long before the U12s, playing an expansive, quick, off-loading game, replied with a lovely try of their own created from a flowing move from the half way. Takhy Marrero went over for his first try of the game having shown some determined running to get into a scoring position. The exchanges went on at both ends with both teams showing some dogged defending and some brilliant attacking. It was Heath that took the advantage with Takhy Marrero going over for his second try of the game giving Heath the lead as they went into the half time.

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It was always going to be hard in the second half, the sun was hot and the players were entering the second twenty minute session. Heath found the edge using the slope to their advantage and employed a great deal more kicking to give them territory. Eastbourne was still dangerous with their quick line out moves but Heath remained dominant in the scrum. A few more errors and penalties crept in as tired, exhausted players starting making mistakes that were easily spotted by the referee. The game was nearing its conclusion when Eastbourne mounted a final assault on the Heath try line, a slight mistake from Heath in defence of their line left the spectators gasping in horror. Heath stood firm though, tidied up the error and, with the clock now run out, kicked the ball out to seal a hard fought victory.

Two tries to one (10 - 5) in Heath’s favour, made them the Sussex County Champions for the third successive year representing another massively successful season for all the U12 players, not just those playing today. Everyone connected with this squad of players - parents, players and coaches - are now looking forward to a wonderful Tour to Dorset, a welcome Summer break and the start of their Junior adventure together.

U12s squad: Rory Adams, Luc Bowkley, Edward Brookes, Finnley Connellan, Thomas Davies, Henry Duffield, Harrison Hampshire, Oliver Hanley, Evan Herbert, Charlie Layton, Rafe Liebers, Jamie Marmion, Euan Mclaren, Oumar Takhy Ndiaye Marrero, Baz Pratt, William Scotland, Dylan Thomas

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