Heath U13s lose tough away game at Chichester

Heath were slow out of the blocks and took ten minutes to properly get into the game, by which time they were a converted try down (7-0 to Chichester). Heath managed to soak up a lot of Chichester pressure with some strong tackling but when it was their turn to attack were unable to get over the try line . A second converted try to Chichester shortly before half time meant that Heath were looking down the barrel for the second half against a well drilled Chichester side playing with confidence and a particularly mean defence.

Heath picked up their game early in the second half and a clearance kick over the top allowed Owen Ratcliffe to run onto a bouncing ball, beat the defender and score under the posts - he then converted his own try to make the score 14-7 to Chichester. Heath started to take the game to Chichester and pressed in the opposition half but were unable to capitalise on their possession.

Chichester’s defence held firm and a drive up the middle opened some space for their impressive outside centre to burst through the Heath tacklers to score a try which took the tally to 21-7.

Heath heads did not go down and a kick deep into Chichester territory was chased down and only partially cleared - Heath worked the ball wide right to give enough space for Ratcliffe to run in for his second try. Unfortunately this was the last play of the game meaning a final score of 21-12 and a deserved victory to Chichester on the day.

As usual in Heath /Chichester contests this was a proper game of rugby with full commitment shown on both sides and from which the squad will benefit for the remaining fixtures this season. Heath’s next league game is at home against East Grinstead on 25th January at which they will hope to get back to winning ways.