Defiant Haywards Heath RFC make it a four-timer

This fixture is always a tough encounter and with only one point separating the sides in the Counties 1 Surrey/Sussex table before kick-off and on the back of two comprehensive defeats from Eastbourne last season, Heath were going to need to lift their game to extend a three-game winning streak.

Matters did not go to plan for Heath from kick off and they were immediately under pressure from the big Eastbourne pack. A penalty was conceded after only two minutes which Eastbourne kicked for 0-3.

Relentless pressure from Eastbourne driven on by their impressive scrum half kept the home side pinned back in their half with matters compounded by a yellow card.

While Eastbourne missed a penalty which would have increased their lead, the early pattern of play continued and the visitors were over the whitewash just short of 20 minutes through their centre after Heath had kicked a goal-line clearance directly into touch forcing a five metre scrum. The score was converted for a 0-10 lead.

Heath started to get to grips with the conditions and the opposition. The Heath forwards were outstanding and as a marauding unit smothered their bigger opponents, forcing regular mistakes or turnovers. Although struggling in the scrum, the lineouts were working far better than in previous weeks and this gave Heath the platform to launch a number of attacks. Despite the atrocious pitch conditions Heath were able to move the ball wide and looked threatening.

With just under ten minutes to the interval some sustained pressure in the Eastbourne half meant Heath were able to build up a head of steam. Relentless at the breakdown the home pack forced the opposition back and front row Charles Newey crashed his way through a crowd of defenders for his third try of the season. Tom Wharton converted – 7-10 at half-time.

The second half was mainly played in the Eastbourne half with the Heath pack continuing to shut down their opposing forwards and the home backs marshalling their opposite numbers.

Twice Heath line breaks seemed to have broken the Eastbourne defence only for last-ditch tackling to deny a score. Eastbourne were losing their discipline and lost two players to the bin.

With only around ten minutes remaining Eastbourne were caught offside and Wharton was able to kick the penalty and level it up at 10-10.

Eastbourne finally forced their way into the Heath half where they won a penalty – the kick at goal fell short and although Heath ran it out they conceded another penalty.

Eastbourne opted for a scrum on the edge of the Heath 22 and when the ball was fizzed into midfield it went behind the intended recipient and Heath were able to hack the ball clear.

Held up on the line again it appeared Heath were going to have to settle for the draw but with seconds remaining a clearance kick from the visitors failed to reach touch.

It was fielded by Heath MoM Josh Salisbury who ran the ball back with interest and into contact and the efficient Heath pack recycled it. The ball was spun into centre field where winger Jack Flower burst through at an angle and instead of passing stuck a grubber kick through which held up in goal allowing skipper Jack Lucas to win the foot race against the Eastbourne full back and touch down for the winning score to jubilant scenes from the clubhouse balcony.

Wharton slotted the extras and the final whistle sounded.

This was an outstanding performance from Heath, who out-battled the opposition and appeared more hungry for the win against a far more experienced side. It leaves them fifth in the league after four consecutive wins.

On the adjacent pitch the Heath Rams faced a strong Crowborough twos side and despite lending the opposition a player ended up losing an entertaining game 29-45 with a try each for Che Stokes, Martin McDonagh, Marcus Pemberton and two for MoM Ollie Goswamy.

Next weekend (Dec 6) Heath 1st XV visit London Cornish.

HHRFC are hosting a New Year’s Eve Party this year with a live band. Tickets bought in advance are just £25 - for details, visit www.wgsports.club