The Haywards Heath - Uckfield Under 14 Girls continued their excellent 2025-26 season with a strong performance and 27-0 victory against Hove on Sunday.

The two sides have been the leading lights in Sussex so far this season and produced a game of high quality. Both teams were keen to play expansive and entertaining rugby, while disciplined defence and contact work in the loose ensured a well-matched game.

Heath - Uckfield took an early lead through a try from full-back Zoe Piper, followed by another for captain Sophia Bromley, converted by fly half Lily Ford. Despite sustained pressure, these were the only scores in the first half and 12-0 was the score at half time.

Knowing they would need to start strongly in the second half, Heath - Uckfield lifted the energy and a well worked move saw the ball reach prop Faye Johnson on the left wing. She broke several tackles to finish powerfully for the team's third try.

From the kick off, the ball was moved to centre Sophia Speight who set off on a powerful run from 60 metres out, beating numerous tackles to score under the post and put the result beyond doubt.

Hove kept fighting and creating chances, twice crossing the line only for brave defence to prevent the try. A second try from Sophia Bromley in the closing minutes finished the scoring for the day.

Both teams will feel that they could have been more clinical at times and made more of their opportunities, but they should be proud of their performances both on the day and over the course of the season. They look forward to the new year when they will meet again in the top division of the Sussex league and potentially also in the Sussex Cup.

The Heath-Uckfield girls head into their Christmas break after a very impressive first half to the season in which they have won 18 out of 19 games and scored an incredible 145 tries.

Most pleasing for the coaches has been how the girls have continued to bond as a squad, with new joiners rapidly integrated and all members working hard for each other. Every member of the squad has contributed to the try count, every player has developed their skill levels and fitness and all are committed to working hard to ensure an even more successful 2026 and beyond.

Any U12, U14 or U16 girls interested in taking up rugby in 2026 and joining one of the Heath dedicated girls' squads should email youth@hhrfc.co.uk .