Heath 1st XV brought their season to a close away at Charlton Park on Saturday. Despite a closely fought first 30 minutes, Heath came up against an impressive forward pack that gave the home side the platform on which to build a healthy lead. A first half try from Dougie Kern was added to early in the second by James Flicker but Heath was left trailing by 39-14 with just 10 minutes of the season remaining. Showing impressive resilience under pressure, Heath fought back strongly with Hugo McPherson and Jamie Diggle scoring two tries late in the second half to secure what turned out to be a precious four-try bonus point in their hustle for end of season league position.

With Casey Calder adding three conversions, a final scoreline of 39-26 gave a much better reflection of a match Heath could have won had their discipline not let them down just before half time. But the closing rally by a highly motivated squad under the direction of the coaching team of Ross Chisholm and Jim Taylor delighted the travelling supporters and showed the determination, fitness and work rate Heath are now capable of delivering when they put their minds to it on the pitch.

Commenting on the vital bonus point which took Heath above close rivals Old Colfeians and into a commendable fourth place in the final London South East 2 league positions, Chisholm said “It has been an incredible journey for the Heath squad this season and I am delighted that our endeavours at training were reflected in some great performances on the pitch. If we all stay committed and focused, I believe we can look forward to even better things next season”.

Jim Taylor, Assistant Coach, added “The boys showed their mettle on Saturday by playing to the final whistle and the fact the result gave the Club an additional league position at the end of the season shows everyone what can happen if you keep the belief throughout a game”.

Bringing a successful season to a close, this coming weekend the Heath RAMS take on Seaford in the final of the Harveys Sussex Plate. Kick off at Uckfield RFC on Saturday 13 April is at 12.30pm and all support is very welcome.

1st XV squad: Matt Monahan, Max Drage, Charles Newey, Steve Doku, Gareth Fergusson, Hugo McPherson, Josh Sailsbury, Nick Main, Brett Menefy, Jack Lucas, Dougie Kern, Jamie Diggle, Robbie Fotheringham, James Flicker, Casey Calder, Joe Gillings, Matt Ashley