Sunday 25th September saw East Grinstead u14s host Haywards Heath for their second friendly of the season. Haywards Heath finished last season top of the A league, so East Grinstead went into the game expecting a tough opposition.

Haywards Heath looked strong from the start, working well together with great handling and speed of play, resulting in their first try which went unconverted. From the restart, Haywards Heath again started strong, however East Grinstead’s defence now held, with some great tackles from Will Jolley and Gabriel Nix. From a resulting line-out some great handling and strong rucking led to Brodie McMullan making a break down the pitch, supported by Floyd Ashdown for the first East Grinstead try under the posts, converted by Will Blackburn.

From the restart, despite some great handling by East Grinstead, Haywards Heath took advantage of a knock-on for their second try. Some good pressure from the next kick-off resulted in a scrum deep in Haywards Heath territory. A great run from Will Blackburn drew the defence for Floyd Ashdown to barge his way over for his second try. The final passage of play of the first half saw East Grinstead pressure result in another line-out close to the Haywards Heath try line. After a long passage of continuous attacking play by East Grinstead, Haywards Heath took advantage of a loose pass to run back under the posts for another try, leaving the half-time score as 12-17 to Haywards Heath.

The second half could have seen East Grinstead buckle under the pressure, but an incredible ten minutes of play saw some fantastic handling and strong running, resulting in a try for Will Jolley, followed quickly by another for Ollie Knowles, breaking through a frustrated defence for a debut try in the corner. Again from the kick off some strong running saw East Grinstead deep in the Haywards Heath half. A penalty saw Will Blackburn kick for touch, taking out several parents in the process. Jack Kelly continued his great work with his line out throws, with the ball quickly recycled and out to Will Blackburn for his first try of the match.

From the restart, Haywards Heath had a chance to use their speed and passing skills, evading tackles and looking for their next try until Harvey Seal tackled the ball carrier into touch. Haywards Heath stole the ball from the resulting line-out and broke through East Grinstead defence for another try.

Despite some spirited Haywards Heath play East Grinstead’s defence held. Another good line out resulted in the ball through hands to Floyd Ashdown who burst through for his hat-trick. The final play of the game again saw some great passing skills with Will Blackburn making a strong run to connect with Johnny Denbigh who broke through for the try.

An amazing show of skill from all boys and a huge step-up from last week’s game, with great debuts Ollie Knowles and Max Farrow.