Heath 1st XV were looking to build on their recent win against league leaders Darfordians with another strong performance against away at Charlton Park, a team sitting above them in London 2 South East - although it was a much changed team that took the field due to injuries and unavailability.

Heath were quickly out of the blocks taking an early lead when scrum half George Davies kicked through and touched down his own kick from turnover ball at a ruck for 5 -0. The sides exchanged penalties before the home side scored a try to equal the score at 8-8.

Heath went ahead again after skipper Sam Drage smashed through for a well deserved try for 13-8, but as the game see-sawed back and forth Charlton Park scored their second to get their noses in front at 15 -13. Heath were fronting up well to tough opposition and with five minutes until half time, another well worked try saw fullback Henry Warwick score for an 18-15 lead to Heath at the break.

The second half saw Charlton Park get their big pack working and things started to look ominous for Heath when the home side were awarded a push over try for 22 -18. Heath came back again and after sustained pressure on the Charlton Park line George Davies was able to skip over for his second try and the bonus point which was converted by Peter Kerins for a Heath lead of 25- 22.

The home side kept playing, however, and three further tries in the final five minutes saw them overhaul Heath and stretch away for a 39-25 victory in an enthralling game between two fairly evenly matched teams.

Whilst a defeat is disappointing after the win against Dartfordians, there was a lot to like about the performance and the boys will be looking to put it right against Horsham in the league and cup double header next weekend. Kick off Saturday 14 April 3pm at Whitemans Green, all support welcome.

Heath 1st XV squad: Charles Newey, Wilf Bridges, Euan Greaves-Smith, Steven Doku, Nicholas Miller, Jamie Diggle, Max Drage, Sam Drage, George Davies, Peter Kerins, Roscoe Atkins, Jack Lucas, Robbie Fotheringham, Bobby Conroy-Smith, Henry Warwick, Alastair Davis, Will Purdy, Joe Ratcliffe