Heath U16s start tour in style
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A try scored ten seconds after kick-off provided the perfect start for Haywards Heath under 16s on their tour match at Bradford Upon Avon Rugby Club in Somerset.
A squad of 21 tourists were up against a combined Barbarians team fielded by Oldfield Old Boys and Bradford Upon Avon (playing as Bradfield).
Ewan McCabe kicked off for Heath sending a high ball deep into the opposition half. Good pressure from Heath saw a Bradfield player go to ground just yards out from their touch line.
He was successfully jackalled by Harley Calder-McCall who then carried the ball over the line to secure the opening score.
McCabe then scored a superb conversion just five yards in from the touch line to give Heath a 7-nil lead.
Despite challenging windy and rainy conditions the Heath side provided plenty of entertainment for a large crowd of travelling and home supporters. They approached half-time 50 points to nil ahead but the home team rallied to score a try just before the break.
Bradfield showed great character to come back for a stronger second half, playing with the wind behind them, and the final score was 76 points to 21. This was the third game running in which Heath under 16s have achieved a 50-point winning margin.
Overall, Heath's powerful scrum were too much for Bradfield with the imposing front-row pairing of Mason Baker and Charlie Goodman proving particular challenging for the home team to bring down.
Despite the uneven scoreline Bradfield were impeccable hosts and a convivial post-match lunch was enjoyed by the boys after which Heath man of the match Finn Brady also triumphed in the Smarty-eating challenge.
Special mentions should go to Heath's injured non-playing tourists Aidan Gallagher, Barny Gibbs and Jack Benney who cheered on their teammates from the pitch side.
The U16s traditionally tour separately at this time of year, allowing them to enjoy their tour before GCSE commitments take over later in the season. The rest of the club's youth section tours together en masse, from U7s through to U15s and including the junior girls' sections, with more than 500 club members set to travel to Cheddar in May.
With such a large touring party heading to Cheddar, Haywards Heath RFC would welcome support from any businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring the 2027 youth tour. Sponsorship enquiries can be sent to [email protected].