Hellingly 0, Haywards Heath 25: Heath sneak bonus point in tricky conditions

Heavy mud underfoot made playing conditions tricky v Hellingly

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After a pitch inspection and discussions with the referee over the conditions it was decided to go ahead with a strong possibility of the game being called off at any time as conditions deteriorated once the 30 guys cut up the deep muddy pitch.

Playing on probably the most challenging pitch of the season so far - more a kin to a ploughed field than a rugby field – but nonetheless thankful that the match got the go-ahead, Heath set to work in strong gusty winds to tackle a much heavier, solid Hellingly pack, with conditions favouring the home side rather than the speedy backs of Heath.

Eventually after persistent pressure Heath was awarded a penalty and Casey Calder kicked the three points to get the scoreboard started.

Heath were straight back onto attack from the restart and found themselves knocking on the Hellingly try line again, after a clearance kick by Hellingly, Heath countered with Jack Lucas and Jamie Diggle combining well to send Diggle over in the corner and taking the score to 8-0.

Hellingly came back strongly and pinned Heath within their 22, but Heath’s defence managed to absorb the strong attack and cleared out to over the half way line, securing the ball and building pressure again.

Heath were rewarded with a try with George Harris crashing over taking two defenders with him. Casey Calder added the conversion and the score ticked over to 15-0 at half time.

Playing the second half with the wind, Heath again began to make inroads in the Hellingly third, with the Heath scrum starting to assert some dominance over their larger opposition.