U16s
Matches
Sun 27 Jan 2019  ·  U16 League 2
Haywards Heath RFC | Since 1958
U16s
Tries: H Edwards, B Scott (2), D Grant, C StreaterConversions: W Goodwin (4)
33
8
Chichester
Heath V Chichester

Heath V Chichester

Zoe Collins27 Jan 2019 - 17:03
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A quality performance and an enjoyable win for Heath

Following significant overnight rainfall, a heavy pitch awaited this anticipated clash between the only two unbeaten teams in the league. However, despite the soggy ground and a strong cross wind, the conditions were pretty good for rugby and so all those watching were looking forward to an enjoyable game. Chichester certainly appeared ready with their boys out early going through their drills and some big forwards who looked as if they would cause the Heath boys some discomfort.

Unfortunately, the frustrating vagaries of youth rugby selection had once again reared its unhelpful head with three experienced members of the Heath squad being withdrawn on Friday to participate in a school's sevens tournament. However, this was apparently evened out by Chichester suffering the same fate. As this league fixture had been postponed from the start of the season due to Chichester player unavailability, it was now outside of the league window, which provided the schools with this sevens call up opportunity.

The Heath coaches requested early and sustained pressure on their opponents and it were pleased to observe the boys delivering on this request. From the Heath kick off, they were quickly up on their opponents allowing them little time on the ball. After only a couple of minutes, with Chichester penned back in their own 22, close to their line,William Ratoff was able to charge down an attempted clearance by his opposite number and Harry Edwards was on hand to drop on a bobbling ball behind the Chichester line for the first score. William Goodwin converted to take the score to 7-0.

It was only a couple of minutes later after some good hands and approach work, Liam Macauley, who showed some excellent stepping throughout the game, was able to put Barney Scott into space out wide. Barney had the option of either William Goodwin or Matthew Cains unmarked on the outside but chose to use his own strength to burst through for the second score. The conversion was missed and so the score remained at 12-0.

It was only another couple of minutes before Heath had their third try, after a deft cross kick from Christian Streater behind the onrushing Chichester defence, and subsequent close inter-passing by the forwards, Daniel Grant was able to burrow over for the score close to the posts. William Goodwin again converted to take the score out to 19-0 with only about 10 minutes played.

The fourth try, to secure the bonus point, came on about 15 minutes, when Christian Streater was able to use his feet to good effect to step and swerve his way past a number of Chichester defenders from close range. William Goodwin again converted and so the score stood at 26-0 with only about a quarter of the game played. Heath had had one of their best starts to the season with some superb option taking, handling and interplays between backs and forwards, which should have been the perfect platform for Heath to push on and win the game by a big margin. However, as can often occur in such situations, it looked as if the Heath boys had already decided for themselves that the game had been won and decided to switch off. Chichester were therefore able to work their way back up field and won a penalty in front of the posts, this was converted to get them on the board at 26-3, which was how the first half ended.

After such a curate’s egg of a first half for Heath, the coaches decided to choose the stick rather than the carrot to motivate the team for the second half. This appeared to have the desired effect as Heath quickly went back on the offensive and Barney Scott was soon able to work his way through the Chichester defence for his second score of the game. William Goodwin again converted and so the scores stood at 33-3, with about three quarters of the match played.

However, once again Heath appeared to decide that the game had been won and so let Chichester back in the game. This led to a sustained period of pressure from Chichester in the Heath 22 and ultimately a try in the corner from one of their big running forwards, who was able to drag a few of the Heath defenders over the line with him. The conversion was missed.

This appeared to finally reinvigorate Heath who were then able to work their back up the field and spend the last minutes of the game camped in the Chichester 22. However, owing to some poor discipline, rushed decision making and unnecessary forced passes, which was evident in much of the second half, Heath were unable to add to their score and so the match finished at 33-8.

This was a very enjoyable game that was played in an excellent spirit and special mention should be made of the Chichester team and their support staff, who fully contributed in this respect. It was refreshing to see the Chichester squad having a team sing song after the game and then remaining in the club house to participate in the Man of the Match award. The Heath award went to Bobby Collins for his repeated driving runs, where he was able to brush off a number of Chichester defenders and then decide when to go to ground on his terms and properly present the ball to allow quick service.

Ultimately, this was another quality performance from a Heath side that is fast becoming a serious force in Sussex rugby. However, such development now requires attention to the finer details. Heath need to be fully focused in all games for the full 70 minutes and be more ruthless in the red zone as a possible four or five tries were left out on the park today. This will be all the more important when Heath, who now top the table, take on Uckfield in their next game on 10th February, in what is likely to be a title decider.

Match details

Match date

Sun 27 Jan 2019

Kickoff

11:00

Competition

U16 League 2

League position

1
Haywards Heath
4
Chichester
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Rugby For All Sponsor - Sweeptech Environmental Services
Main Club Sponsor - Focus Group