Sunday showed East Grinstead women taking on Heathfield for their final pre-season match. Although the weather was not in their favour the ladies did not let this ruin their spirit. East Grinstead were keen to use this game to showcase some new skills and knowledge in a close knit 80 minutes.

The whistle blew and they were off. East Grinstead didn’t hesitate and some big tackles were made from McIntyre. The first line out saw great teamwork between Jacobs, Pullen, Byrne and Brown which meant that Lewes (N) could get the ball out to Shackel who bulldozed her way through Heathfield defensive line. East Grinstead used this to their advantage and with some great handling from McCarthy, Brown and Lewes (N) East Grinstead were just short of the line. O’Donoghue saw space open up in the defence and scored East Grinstead their first try which was converted by Lewes (S).

East Grinstead kept their defence strong only allowing Heathfield into their half a few times. After 25 minutes of hard graft East Grinstead gathered their thoughts and were determined for more.

The next 20 minutes saw great attack from East Grinstead using their pods to gain ground. The scrums were strong with Jacobs keeping possession of the ball. With a great tap and go Lewes (S) managed to weave her way through the Heathfield defence to score East Grinstead their second try. This was converted bringing the score to 14-0. Not to be deterred Heathfield fought back. East Grinstead battled hard to defend but Heathfield managed to score the try and kick the conversion concluding the first half 14- 7.

The second half saw East Grinstead bring on the fresh legs of Sutton and Teasdale. East Grinstead did not tire in defence and some try saving tackles from Neil meant that Heathfield had to battle hard to score their second try, narrowly missing the conversion bringing the score to 14 - 12. Shackel, Forsyth and Wallis used careful passing to allow Wallis to break the line and gain more ground for East Grinstead. Heathfield managed to score their third try and convert it with the score now becoming 14 - 19.

East Grinstead did not let their heads drop and they fought to the end. Big tackles from Quirin and Neil on the wing meant that no further tries were scored concluding the game with a score of 14 - 19 to Heathfield.

Great tackles, line breaks and overall talent meant that Shackel and Neil were awarded backs of the match.
Forward of the match was awarded to Jacobs for her great line out throws and her strength and skill in the scrum.

East Grinstead will be back at training this week working hard to continue to build their skill set ready to take on Seaford for their first league game of the season. As ever the ladies appreciate all the support that they receive.