Heath U14s took to the field for their Waterfall League match against Hove - a side that has always posed a stiff challenge to the unbeaten Sussex champions. This match was no exception not helped by a slow and scrappy start from the Heath boys. Despite this Heath finally got points on the board after 10 minutes when clean ruck ball and a simple passing game allowed an overlap which left wing Josh Abraham finished off. This unconverted try seemed to generate some impetus and just five minutes later improved composure at the ruck resulted in a second try for Abraham in similar fashion to his first. Abraham was able to complete his first half hat trick not long afterwards with a quickly taken penalty opening up the Hove defence cleanly. At 15 nil up and close to half time Hove came fighting back and despite some fine cover tackling from Henry Starkey and Will Osgood, eventually the pressure told and Hove scored to make the score 15-5 at the break.

Notwithstanding fresh legs, Heath were still struggling to find their mojo across backs and forwards until a fine break from Josh Mann resulted in a try (converted by Abraham). At 22-5 Hove didn't lie down and quicker thinking from the hosts at a disputed breakdown produced a further (unconverted) try - 22-10. Hove continued to disrupt Heath's patterns of play throughout the remainder of the second half however Heath's winning habit gave them the confidence to see them through, with Abraham’s pace particularly potent. The flying winger scored a second half hat trick bringing his total to six tries in the match. A further try from Josh Mann following a bulldozing run from prop Charlie Bennett straight from a restart saw Heath end the match 10-50 victors and although there were phases of the match where they did not perform to their full potential, this talented group of players continue to enhance their unbeaten record across Sussex for the last six years.

Heath U16 43 Eastbourne 0

Heath U16s produced one of their best performances of the season in the sunshine at Whitemans Green on Sunday as they took on a side from the league above. From the kick off Heath immediately went on the offensive with Liam Macaulay spotting an opening on the blind side of a ruck to scamper round under the posts for a try which was converted by William Goodwin. This was quickly followed by a well taken score by Tom Foat in the same corner and then Christian Streater made a deft kick over the top which was caught by Daniel Grant at pace, who then fed it back to Streater who had continued his run in support and scored in the other corner. Another excellent conversion by Goodwin showed how the U16 boys are really benefitting as they gel as a team. There was still time for James Watson to break a few tackles and sprint in for another try and make it 24-0 at half time.

The visitors made a couple of changes at the break and immediately looked threatening from the restart. Indeed Eastbourne dominated for the first 10 minutes of the half, with Heath having to resolutely employ their defensive skills. The team excelled as they dug deep to prevent Eastbourne’s possession converting into points and everyone in the team made their tackles, including a superb joint cover tackle from Mitch Day and Kai Jutson to stop what seemed a certain try. This steely defence gave Heath confidence and they lifted the siege with man of the match, Kai Jutson sprinting in from about 40 metres after breaking a few tackles. Mitch Day then squeezed in the corner for a well taken try and the scoring was capped off by Watson for his second try and a final score of 43-0 – a scoreline that does not reflect the intensity of the match at critical times, especially in the second half. This was a quite superb squad performance with every one of the 18 boys that participated playing their part and the Heath U16s can take this winning momentum into next week’s league game against Crowborough.

Heath juniors, sponsored by California Raisins, welcome new players at any time during the season, with many age groups running more than one squad and multiple RFU qualified coaches to support player development.