Deal eventually emerged as the winner in this entertaining Counties 1 league match which included nine tries with the lead frequently changing hands. Deal belied their lowly league position with a spirited performance while Heathfield are left to rue their poor discipline leading to too many penalties which probably tipped the balance on the day.
Conditions were good with little wind on a dry firm pitch. A decent number of Heathfield supporters had made the trip notably including some of the Ladies team.
The game opened with a bang as good lineout ball was moved wide right for Toby Simpson to burst down the right wing and touch down although he was unable to convert.
However Deal immediately charged back and an attacking scrum near the visitors’ 22 gave them good ball which was well worked through several phases before flanker Ross Widdett charged over under the posts.
Penalties were starting to hurt Heathfield and soon a kickable chance allowed Deal to extend their lead (10-5). In the spirit of the game on the day Heathfield charged back into the home half and from broken play Ben Irwin worked his way through a couple of tackles for a solo score from about the 22 metre line on the left hand side, converted by Simpson. With less than ten minutes on the clock three tries and the score line of 10-12 suggested a breathless afternoon was in prospect.
In fact the game now settled down. At this stage Deal clearly had an edge in the scrum with their mature front row being very effective. Entering the second quarter another penalty nudged the home side ahead 13-12.
Harry Slinnhawkins now made a useful run out of his own 22 which allowed Heathfield to establish a position in the home half. This led to a period of sustained pressure on the home try line. A tap penalty on the 5m line looked promising but the home defence did just enough and the ball was held up.
Deal were securing a fair share of possession and their fly half Ollie Best was demonstrating his ability to manage a game with his often excellent choice of options. In the last few minutes of the half this led to a converted home try although I managed not to note just how this was achieved.
However Heathfield had the last word in the half as Slinnhawkins bravely caught a high crosskick under pressure and Simpson arrived to collect the ball and scamper down the left touchline for his second try which he duly converted.
The halftime score of 20-19 suggested that this was anyone’s game. The home edge in the scrum was to some extent neutralised by the introduction of Ollie Smith while neither side dominated the lineout. Rafe Gibson came off the bench at half time for his senior debut and made a positive impression.
The second half opened as had the first with a Heathfield try in the fIrst minute. Good possession from a short lineout was moved into midfield where Tom Tingley boshed his way through for a fine try under the posts. Almost immediately another good catch of a high crosskick by Slinnhawlins and a consequent penalty produced an attacking lineout in the home 22. A sharp lineout ploy allowed George Hayter to claim a try near the corner. Both tries well converted by Simpson. (20—33)
At this point it looked as though Heathfield had stamped their authority on the game but Deal were a long way from beaten. They gradually worked their way back upfield. Entering the last quarter they worked good lineout possession into midfield and a flanker crashed over under the posts. The conversion left a 6 point difference (27-33)
Deal continued to press and were now helped by another self-inflicted wound by Heathfield as Slinnhawkins was binned for a deliberate knock on. Continued home pressure led to an attacking lnineout in the right hand corner in front of the home clubhouse and supporters. The ball was driven on and eventually a try was awarded in a messy heap of bodies. The tricky conversion by Best retook the lead for Deal (34-33).
With just minutes remaining Heathfield tried to snatch back the result but their increasingly desperate attempts to run from deep ended with yet another penalty for the home side who duly collected the three points and effectively ended the game.
The penalty count of approximately 6-14 against Heathfield had probably been decisive. Heathfield scored five tries against Deal’s four but three Deal penalty kicks made the difference. Apart from those mentioned above skipper Gus Taylor had another good all-round game although he had some unproductive conversations with the referee, Ollie Tooke had a good day generally although under pressure in the tight, while Harry Westgate was particularly mentioned for some useful box kicking.
Heathfield are in a good tussle in the league with Crowborough, Beccs and Dover so the two points today are welcome. Heathfield do have a game in hand on those opponents so there is plenty of interest in the remaining fixtures.
Initially the coach was a little subdued on the return journey although that didn’t last for long. Quite correctly bin liners had been provided to ensure that the coach was left in a good state although some of them were subsequently used in a way not envisioned by their manufacturers.
After a week off Heathfield next entertain Bromley who are having a fine season (1 Mar 3.00).