Haywards Heath - Uckfield U14 Girls continued their fantastic season with a 26-7 victory over Hove in the Sussex Cup Final at Brighton Rugby Club on Sunday.

These two sides have been the leading U14 Girls squads in the county this year and a final between them, a repeat of last year's which Hove won 19-12, was a fitting end to the competitive fifteens season.

After a miserable few months of weather, the dry and sunny conditions were very welcome and allowed both teams to play flowing, attacking rugby and showcase their strong handling skills.

Heath-Uckfield started strongly and strung a series of phases together before prop Johnson, a newcomer to the sport this season, crossed the line for the opening try, her 32nd of a remarkable debut season, fly half Speight slotted the conversion.
Scrum half Kean crossed for a trademark try in the 14th minute to open a 12 point lead, but with no further scores before half time Hove were still very much in the game. Their girls showed great spirit and fight and scored shortly after the break to narrow the gap to a single score.
However, Heath-Uckfield responded strongly to reassert their control, full back Piper capping a fine performance with a try, before Speight finished off a slick handling move with a great burst of speed to score a fourth, both tries converted by centre Ford.
The result reflected the Heath-Uckfield U14 Girls' overall control of the game and their ability to retain possession, go forward and create scoring opportunities. However, their physicality, speed and skills were matched by a Hove side whose game has developed impressively over the season. Games between the two sides look likely to be amongst the highlights of many seasons to come.

Attention now turns to a series of friendlies and tournaments before Heath-Uckfield U14s return to the Worthing National 10s tournament over May Bank Holiday weekend, aiming to reclaim the trophy they won as U12s.

Heath-Uckfield U14 Girls squad - Daisy Blight, Sophia Bromley, Charlie Dodkin, Lily Elston, Arwen Ford, Lily Ford, Alani Gray, Koh Harada, Faye Johnson, Arwen Kean, Chloe Langley, Ciara O'Sullivan, Zoe Piper, Chloe Rayner, Sophia Speight, Lexi Timson, Marharyta Turenko, Hazel Warman