Haywards Heath 40 Hastings & Bexhill 20

H&B travelled to Haywards Heath aware that the home side had a much better record on their own ground than when travelling away and therefore coach Gary Walsh and skipper Peter Mahoney expected a difficult game on a very wide pitch.

This is exactly what happened but H&B performed with total commitment and for large parts of the game control of the ball and territory. However, when playing an experienced side small mistakes lead to punishment and with the home team having backs with pace and experience of a higher level of rugby it was clear that any chance of counterattack would be taken.

H&B started well and after 10 minutes play a loose ball resulted in a breakaway try. H&B bounced back after every try scored by Haywards Heath through tries by Andy Dalton and Jacob Macdonough and at 17- 10 down at half time skipper Pete Mahoney galvanised the team for even more commitment.

After half time the Haywards Heath backs threatened to run away with pace down both wings but last ditch defending by Ben Lee and Alex Nichols supported by the whole team kept the score close enough to give some hope of garbbing the game at the end.

H&B were committed to the end with two late tries after pinpoint cross field kicks by Percy Fitzgerald put winger Will Howard Smith in at the corner.

Unfortunately despite a massive effort by H&B Haywards Heath were the victors 40 - 20 and H&B look forward to their next game at home against top four team Heathfield and Waldron on Saturday.