Haywards Heath Under 16s win away in the league

Haywards Heath Under 16s used their improving performances in recent friendly fixtures to good effect, taking on Heathfield away in their first league match of the season, they ran out winners by 14-40
Heath U16s team. Photo provided by Tracey Spuyman.Heath U16s team. Photo provided by Tracey Spuyman.
Heath U16s team. Photo provided by Tracey Spuyman.

Heath scored first from a dominant scrum, with Charlie Clare executing a perfect chip and chase to gather and score. An excellent conversion took the score to 0-7 and first blood to Heath.

Heath's dominance continued with repeated excellent line breaks resulting in Alex Cheshire barrelling through, taking opposition players over the line with him. Another conversion took the score to 0-14.

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A wayward kick from the home side was then pounced on by Archie Burchnall on the left wing in his own half.

Racing the length of the pitch, he broke through a few tackles and headed for the line, only to be caught by a try-saving tackle just five metres out, however the supporting players were hot on his heels allowing an offload to Charlie Clare for his second try.

Another conversion took the score to 0-21 at half time.

After the break, Heathfield returned to the pitch determined to make an impact and they subsequently scored twice in succession, converting both, bringing the scores to 14-21.

The reply from Heathfield reignited Heath's focus and a storming run from Connor Mullins out wide on the left where he scored in the corner.

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Clare followed up with a brilliant conversion, his fourth successful attempt out of four, taking the score to 14-28.

Heath weren't finished and Aiden Taylor stormed through the Heathfield defence out wide and stretched for the line for an incredibly popular try after he had been injured earlier on in the game.

Then, playing right to the final whistle, Heath scored their sixth try of the match through Burchnall, with another conversion by Clare taking the final score to 14-40.

The game was scrappy at times, particularly at the ruck, but Heath showed their tenacity and resilience, especially when Heathfield responded after half time, to come away with a well-deserved and hard fought away win in the league.

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Heath U16 squad: Callum Ward, Jack Herbert, Alex Cheshire, Aiden Taylor, Pat Stedman, Ed Newey, Joe Barnett, Connor Mullins, Charlie Clare, Sammy Jones, Archie Burchnall, Jack Flower, Jack Swain, Clem Trotman, Samuela Buli-Lancaster, Ollie Head.