G's v Heathfield & Waldron

Both teams arrived early with plenty of time to prepare for what was going to be a very strong final, between two highly respected Sussex Rugby Clubs.

The sun was shining and the pitch was dry, conditions near perfect for both teams, who enjoyed a strong running game.

There were set to be some good head to head clashes, packs were equally strong and then there was the back line clash, with both teams showing well in recent Harlequin trials.

The first half showed EG start strong with an early try by Dante Maynard and converted by Felix Champain, (7-0) but then followed a string of forced and unforced errors from EG, one resulting in a penalty converted by Heathfield. (7-3) The error count continued and with a knock on, one resulting in an unfortunate yellow card for EG.

Heathfield piled on the pressure and although EG held during the 10 minute yellow spell, thanks to some strong defensive work and a rally from the bench with Darragh Fitzroy, Will Cawdery and Ollie Hodge pressing on when most needed, it was ultimately a quick step from the Heathfield 10 that unlocked the usually sound EG defence. Try and conversion to Heathfield. (7-10).

EG increased their work rate and tried to build some shape and reduce the penalty count, an attacking position primarily created by the simply impressive Nathan Oliver, lead to a try, once checked by referee and linesman, by Felix Champain, which he duly converted. (14-10) Halftime, a welcome relief for EG.

Following a calm debrief in the changing room and away from the eyes of the many supporters, a new EG appeared. Territory now the goal.

After a much improved position and some probing runs from both irrepressible centres, Ted Hardisty and Jamie Gregory, EG soon found the space and Felix Champain scored and converted again. (21-10).

EG continued their improved display and some solid shape started to emerge, especially from the hard working and industrious forwards, lead by Harry Higginson, Luke Norris and the ever present Tommy Nasta. The ever talented Rafe Coetser started to find his man at the line out and with Barley O'Conor in fine form, EG started to turn on the pressure. Tate Williams started carrying the ball well and Ewan Massingham, Mr Reliability in defence, started to boss from the back.

Heathfield worked hard with their defence and with limited option at one play, Felix Champain dropped a goal from some distance to make the score 24-10.

Now was the time to push further and a hard working Charlie Coxon soon found himself on the wing with space and pace, a pass to Will Cawdery seemed the ideal option, but Heathfield held well for a short period, but then overstepped thanks to some hard work by Leo Emery, and a penalty to EG, slotted by FC. (27-10).

Still with time on the clock but slowly pulling away, EG pressed again, this time with Jamie Gregory pushing on the wing and a perfectly timed pass saw Louie White disappear, as he does, for a try to close out the game, duly converted by Felix Champain. (34-10).

Heathfield continued to come back, hugely impressed with their commitment it meant some hard defensive work for the ever present Toby Gillam on the wing and for Mason Edwards, while enjoying his attacking duties, didn't miss out on his box kicking duties in defence.

Heathfield finally scored a late try and the game closed soon after, with the final score 34-15.

Thanks to Huw Page and Vincent Scott for doing all the water work for the lads, so very important on a hot sunny day. Also to Joe Burnett, Will Johnstone and Henry Agate for supporting the lads. It means a lot.

The end of a long road and a goal set from when the boys were U15.

A very easy group of boys to coach, they enjoy learning, playing with and for each other, but mostly they enjoy winning!