H&B U14 0 Heathfield 66

Heathfield under 14s may be default A league champions and favourites to retain the title this season, but H&B welcomed the opportunity to pitch themselves against this quality of opposition, regardless of the apparent futility of the contest. The H&B boys rarely accept defeat until the final whistle and always play out the game with total commitment to their task. So it was with the objective of defining their limitations and accelerate their already steep learning curve that they entertained their formidable adversary.
 
The expected onslaught was quickly realised with Heathfield out gunning H&B in size and ability across the team. Despite an early showing from the backs in attacking mode, stretching the Heathfield defence, the forwards were soon sucked in around the ball to find themselves in no position to defend as it was quickly and skilfully spun out through the backs. The first half was characterised by Heathfield exploiting these spaces and sprinting clear to score easy tries. Whilst H&B held their own at the scrum and rucked reasonably well, it was their ability to recover their field position and engage the next phase of play which was lacking.
 
The second half witnessed an improvement in the balance of play as H&B found greater resolve in defending their try line. Heathfield’s scores coming from shorter range with H&B demonstrating an ability to make solid defensive barriers and clear the ball, where before they might have panicked and fluffed their lines. There was certainly an improvement in H&B’s tackling, led by open side ‘attack dog’ and man of the match Jack Mather. However, too many missed first tackles still blighted the team’s performance. There was also room for improvement in the strategic decision-making as H&B rushed possession instead of relying on well-rehearsed moves to consolidate their position and build attacks. All these areas can be improved upon on the training ground.

The game was played in good spirits, both teams showing excellent sportsmanship with plenty of competitive rugby to admire despite the eventual scoreline.