Heath Youth teams continue to shine in glorious autumn weather

Another competitive weekend for Haywards Heath RFC's youth sides from Under 12 through to Colts as the spectacular weather provided ideal conditions for running rugby.
Heath U14 Development team put in a match winning performance on SundayHeath U14 Development team put in a match winning performance on Sunday
Heath U14 Development team put in a match winning performance on Sunday

Heath U12s hosted travelling side Jersey at Whitemans Green and played their second Waterfall League match of the season, winning an outstanding game of rugby 35-20.

Heath started very well, closing down their opponents, turning over ball and scored three times to lead 15-5 at half-time. In the second half Heath extended their lead with three more excellent tries before an element of complacency set in and Jersey rallied, bringing the score back to 30-20 and giving the home side a scare. Heath managed to regain their concentration and momentum with Matthew Hayden, chosen as the stand out Heath player, breaking free to score the final try of the game and record a satisfying home win. The entire Heath Under 12 squad all contributed well and are looking forward to their next league match at home to Chichester.

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SEE ALSO Heath RFC lose to league leaders Beckenham despite brave performance | Video: Ross Chisholm returns to re-energise Heath RFCHeath U14s development team maintained their unbeaten start to the season on Sunday recording their fifth straight victory in beating Brighton Development 62 - 5 in the league. Victory see's Heath promoted for the second rounds of league matches that will be played early in 2019.

Heath Colts were competitive against a well-drilled Brighton teamHeath Colts were competitive against a well-drilled Brighton team
Heath Colts were competitive against a well-drilled Brighton team

Victory was built on a solid performance from the Heath forwards who out played the opposition in both the tight and loose play. The strength and straight running of McIntosh, Clark and Bennett was ably supported by the second and back rows loose play. The structured play from the forwards delivered a seamless supply of ball to the backs where the speed of Nimmo, March and Walker regularly out flanked the opposition. Half time saw a significant lead of 38-0 and it was important the squad kept their focus for the remainder of the match.

Heath’s plentiful possession continued in the second half but the home side didn't have things all their own way as Brighton rallied. The visitors were richly rewarded for their efforts scoring the first try of the second half. This spurred Heath on to reignite their game plan and they showed their strength and skill to take the game away from Brighton, scoring their tenth try in the closing moments of the game.

The Heath U14 development team will take confidence from such a great start to the season but will now face tougher tests in the league above where they will be regularly up against other Clubs’ A teams - which goes to show the depth of the Heath Under 14 squad overall, all of whom benefit from mid-week training at Whitemans Green.

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Heath Colts had a training fixture at Brighton where, coming up against a strong side, they lost a closely fought encounter but scored four tries in the process against six tries from Brighton making it a good competitive game on which to build going forwards. The team played in a vintage Heath 2nd XV strip in commemoration of Jonny Grant, a Heath stalwart, former player, coach, parent and friend, who died recently.

Heath U12s competed strongly against a competitive side from JerseyHeath U12s competed strongly against a competitive side from Jersey
Heath U12s competed strongly against a competitive side from Jersey

Heath mini, junior and youth sections welcome new players at any time. There’s still more than half the season to go so if you fancy joining a friendly, local community rugby club with experienced coaches in every age group, Under 6 through to Colts, find out more at www.hhrfc.co.uk .