Haywards Heath RFC U15 Hurricanes travelled to Surrey with only 15 players on Sunday to take on their counterparts at Guildfordians RFC. As the score line suggests, this was a dominant performance against a rather shell-shocked Guildfordians side who were unable to compete with the intensity and organisation of a well-drilled and disciplined Heath side.

Heath lost the coin toss and Guildfordians elected to play up the slope in the first half. Sam Denslow opened the scoring after just 2 minutes with a typical scything run through the Guildfordians' back line to score the first of his 4 tries, which he also converted.

With the Heath forwards quickly asserting themselves at the breakdown, possession was plentiful for the Heath backs throughout the match. Sam Denslow again benefitted from time and space to finish a flowing move to score in the corner and double the Heath lead with a touchline conversion.

Josh Henley Gower was the first Heath forward to get over the line with a trademark pick and go from the base of the dominant Heath scrummage, 10 metres out. Sam Denslow again converted.

Monty Oliver was then the beneficiary of a well-executed catch and drive by the forwards from a close range line out, helping Heath move further ahead towards the middle of the first half.

The pattern of the game was now set, with Heath dominating territory and possession for the rest of the half. Theo Polhill and Rory added further tries, both converted by Sam Denslow to see the half-time score reach 0-47.

Playing up the hill in the second half, Heath expected the territorial battle to even out. Guildfordians were able to kick in defense to make significant ground on a number of occasions, but Heath showed they were just as capable of scoring tries from long range, a quality epitomised by Archie Francis' fine solo try scored from his own 22 metre line after he had turned over Guildfordians' possession in a maul.

Flying winger Oscar Clark got on the score sheet midway through the second half going over in the left corner following a period which saw play move through multiple phases, moving side to side across the pitch.

Newcomer James Broyd celebrated his first full fixture with Heath by scoring a try in the final quarter of the match, which also saw Mylo Smith go over, and Rory March score his second try of the match.

Perhaps fittingly, it was Sam Denslow who had the final say when he scored and converted his 4th try with the last play of the match.

This was an impressive display by a well-drilled Heath side who remained disciplined throughout the match to score 13 tries and 9 conversions. There will be tougher challenges to come this season, but Heath can be pleased with this performance.

Squad: Finlay Baffoe Garley, Theo Polhill, Josh Henley Gower, Monty Oliver, Ollie Hoyes, Leon Zeelie, Archie Francis, Mylo Smith, Arlo Merchant, Tryfan Lewis, William Hudd, James Broyd, Sam Denslow (c), Oscar Clark, Rory March.

Haywards Heath RFC U15 Spitfires - 21 Crawley RFC U15 - 42

The Spitfires took on a large Crawley squad in the U15 at Whitemans Green. Heath opened the game with some decisive running from Christian Benstead Schlup managing to cross the line twice early in the first half to take a well deserved lead - both tries were converted by Richard Wetton.

Crawley responded with some robust rucking from their big pack and the visitors were able to then find some space out wide and get back into the game. By half time they had managed to level the score with two tries and conversions each, 14-14.

Crawley had depth on the bench and were able to bring on fresh players throughout the second half running in a further three tries and converting all but the last. Heath were hampered with some injuries and limited substitution options meant the visitors were able to capitalise late in the second half with two further converted tries.

Heath kept going though and managed a final score of their own, but ultimately were undone by a strong opponent and limited replacements for tired and injured legs.

This was a well fought physical game, with moments of great individual skill combined with phases of excellent team work. A great game and experience for the developing Spitfires squad.

Squad: Dan Butters, Ben Mora, Eddie James, Liam Buckfield, Matthew Larner, Tom Burris,
Will Bates, Thomas James, Richard Wetton, Daniel Flint, Harrison Lea, Christian Benstead Schlup, Louie Brady, Joe Williams, Lukas Pearson (c), Jake Robins. Ruben Fireman