...using the fixture on Sunday as a good excuse for the squad and parents to spend the weekend on the island. With both Heath and Vectis undefeated this season this was a good opportunity to test an extended squad who warmed up on a beautiful pitch in Ventnor overlooking the English Channel.

Heath got off to an uncharacteristically slow start which was probably down to the fact the team were trying out some new combinations that needed time to settle in. After twenty minutes Heath were trailing by 15-5 – not a situation the squad has experienced very often but a great learning curve for this determined group of young players. The half time team talk certainly had the desired effect with Heath coming back out looking and playing quality rugby. Some great forward rucking and interlinking between the fast footed backs and strong, disciplined forwards meant Heath went on to score nine unanswered tries with rolling subs ensuring all nineteen squad players got plenty of time on the pitch.

The final score - Vectis U13s 15 Heath U13s 50 - flattered Heath as the Vectis were certainly one of the stronger sides the Heath boys have played this season, but Heath’s fitness and strength in depth ultimately made the difference.