Heathfield bowed out of this year’s Pappa John Cup with a gutsy performance against an Eton Manor side who are having a storming season in their version of the NC1 league. This was a good quality game between two sides who both try to play an all round game.
Heathfield were not helped by a 2 and a quarter hour coach journey. Conditions were excellent with no wind on an unseasonably warm and sunny day. The unusually wide 4G pitch probably explains how the home side style of play involves moving the ball wide whenever possible.
This was certainly obvious early on as Manor efficiently moved turnover ball wide left for their winger to brush off two ineffectual tackles and touch down in the corner.
This just kickstarted Heathfield who built good pressure into the home half, at least partly based on a strong scrummage. Poppy Eacott had been due to be at hooker but a twisted ankle meant that Amber Lovick started there instead. With one critical exception this was a phase which Heathfield dominated to the credit of all of the pack. Several phases ended with no 8 Caitlin Flower working her way over for a try. So with less than ten minutes on the clock the game looked like a contest between the home backs and the visitors’ forward strength. Simplistic and partially true.
A few minutes later Manor just secured scrum ball in midfield and moved it right where two more less than satisfactory tackles allowed them in for a try, this time converted. (12-5)
However Heathfield had much the better of the next 15 minutes with the penalty count reaching 6-0 against Manor at one point as they were punished by the referee at the breakdown. Georgia Reed-Davies was only one among a number of strong carriers as Heathfield built through the phases.
Both Heathfield centres did well with Sophia Skinner often carrying strongly alongside Chip Chippett who distributed well and made a couple of munchy tackles.
The Manor defence did well to contain the Heathfield pressure and when they did have possession were keen to move the ball wide but Heathfield were now well alert to this tactic.
Approaching the half hour Heathfield achieved a good attacking position in the left hand corner. Although the lineout stuttered, a subsequent scrum provided good possession and soon Dave dived into the corner for her second try on the day.
After this extended period in the home half Manor now made a rare visit to the other end count when good hands gave them a try in the left hand corner and a seven point lead at the interval. (17-10)
The contest was effectively decided in the first few minutes of the second period as Manor scored two quick tries. The first came as Manor had their only success on the day at the scrum which they efficiently exploited. Then good handling and strong running with their no 6 being especially effective meant that they collected another try on the right hand side. A seven point difference had suddenly become 17 and the game apparently decided.
Thankfully nobody told Heathfield and the game remained an even contest, Entering the last quarter a penalty gave Heathfield a good attacking position in the left hand corner and finally all that work in training paid off as a front move paid off for Abi Bandtock to claim a well-deserved try.
Heathfield continued to press and the home no 6 was now binned for some malpractice at the breakdown in their 22. However Heathfield were unable to exploit the extra player until with about ten minutes remaining Laura McGee, on as a replacement, collected the ball in broken play near the halfway line and made a fine solo run to outstrip the defence. McKee also contributed well in defence and continues to impress as a useful new recruit to the Heathfield squad.
The score of 27-20 and the cup competition regulations meant that a converted try by Heathfield would have tied the score but that Heathfield would have progressed into the next round of the competition. In the event the home side just about shaded this nervous period and eventually the final whistle went.
The home coaches particularly mentioned the efforts of their back row as being influential. Their captain kindly commented this had been their toughest game this season. Apart from those mentioned above, Heathfield Coach Dan Suggitt noted Britt Mole at full back and skipper Carol Saunders.
After a week’s rest Heathfield visit Dartford Valley in their next NC1 league match (10 Nov 2.00). This will also be played on a 4G surface but as today showed that is not a problem for Heathfield.
Team 1. Hannah Overy 2. Amber Lovick 3. Abi Bandtock 4. Velvet Turner 5. Georgia Reed-Davies 6 Carol Saunders 7. Lauren Duly 8 Caitlin Flower 9. Lib Lawrence 10 Megan Plane 11 Megan Baker 12 Sophia Skinner 13. Chip Chippett 14. Phoebe Morgan 15. Britt Mole
Replacements 16. Kirsten McPhail 17. Freya Gorringe 19. Laura McGee 20. Ellie Phillipse 21. Merve Prestedge 22. Bethany Suggitt