entering more teams than any other club - at the annual West Sussex Mini Festival at sun-drenched Worthing RFC. Pride of place went to the Under 9 Heath A Team, coached by Dan Vander and Rob Bravo, who emerged once again as West Sussex champions in their age group. Heath wasted no time in establishing their credentials. Their defence was impenetrable in the Pool games and, although the coaches felt attack lacked it usual fluidity, Heath still ran 15 tries past Chichester, Hove and Bognor without conceding one. The semi final against Jersey was a tough match against new opponents who were quick on the ball and much harder to break down. Keeping their concentration, Heath were able to assert themselves more effectively as their passing game improved and Jersey tired under pressure, to give Heath a 4-1 win.
It was no surprise to meet old rivals Worthing A in the Final. The hosts were very good at releasing the ball before the tackle and it proved much harder to turn them over. With Heath maintaining their tempo and their crunching defence and Worthing tiring, openings were created for a 4-2 win, a well-deserve West Sussex crown and a place in the West Sussex Finals at Heath on April 13th.

Elsewhere in the Under 9s, an early loss to eventual finalists Chichester consigned Heath Harriers to the plate via wins against Horsham, Pulborough and Chichester B. A tense and open match against Worthing B saw the Harriers run out 9-6 winners to take the Plate. The Hurricanes’ came through their pool showing great temperament and no little skill to finish a very impressive 5th equal from fifteen teams. The Spitfires weren’t far behind following some excellent team play culminating in a hard-fought 3-2 victory in their final playoff match as a reward for their consistent commitment.
Heath Under 11s may not be the West Sussex Champions but, coming runners up for the fourth year in succession, they can claim to be the most consistent team in West Sussex. A slow start in the opening game against Chichester scuppered the squad’s chances. Despite this they then went unbeaten for their second place finish. Heath’s under 11 B team, as always, showed great spirit and togetherness. They may not have won any games but gained some admirers and all the opposition coaches were complimentary.

Heath Under 8s fielded three teams and, although competitive and playing strongly across the squads, had to settle for the consolation of having come first and second in the previous week’s H Cup – the home-based competition for clubs with an H in their name – the previous week.

Heath U7s, in their first appearance in the festival, fielded two teams each playing five games a mix of narrow losses and convincing victories, and a couple of draws were thrown in for good measure. Every single player played their part well, with some displays of great rugby awareness and both teams can be proud of their cohesive play encouraged by the coaches from the sideline. At this early age, that’s the most important feature and is characteristic too of the under 6 age group – all 60 of the – who don’t yet play competitive rugby as they learn the game and the values that underpin it.

After a rewarding day of tans, tries. tags and tackles, the squads can all be very proud of a great performance. The whole Club wishes the Under 9s all the very best in their bid to become Sussex champions again in April.