Bromley RFC VS Heathfield and Waldron RFC

Bromley Win Again!

This top of the table clash was graced by awful playing conditions with a howling gale blowing up the Barnet Wood Road pitch and what felt like sub zero temperatures. Considering this it is a credit to both sides that they managed to produce a fiercely fought contest which was only really settled late into the second half. With a few notable exceptions Bromley put out a strong looking side to take on a Heathfield and Waldron team who have put together an impressive set of results in the first half of the season. As expected the opening exchanges were cagey with both defences rock solid. The home side had a very slight advantage in the scrum but lineouts were a real lottery in the wind and the excellent referee sensibly gave a bit of latitude in this area. As the first half progressed it was hard to separate the two sides and scoring opportunities were few and far between due to tremendous defensive covering by both teams interspersed with huge hits on anyone trying to run with the ball. Finally, just before half time, the home side squeezed ahead with a well struck penalty. 3-0 to Bromley at the break but playing uphill second half albeit with the wind.

Don’t know what was said at the break but Bromley upped their game and began taking the game to Heathfield which led to the scoreboard ticking over. 10-0, became 17-0 and then 22-0 and the game was as good as done. Inevitably yellow cards came into play and H@W lost two and Bromley one to the naughty chair. While Powell was off the pitch for Bromley the away side got on the scoreboard with a good try which was not converted. Bromley, having scored three tries, now went in search of the fourth and the bonus point. The last few minutes were played out in semi darkness and Bromley achieved their aim with a final try in the dying seconds – not that anybody could see how that actually happened. Bromley win 29-5.

 A good win that keeps Bromley at the top of the table but there is no complacency as Aylesford, Cranbrook and Heathfield and Waldron are hot on their heels and there are many formidable fixtures to get through before the end of the season. One of these is away to Pulborough next Saturday and this has not been a happy hunting ground for Bromley over the years – far from it. After todays victory the boys really need to back this up with another solid performance before they have two home games before Xmas. These games will have 2.00pm kick off times. Elsewhere the thirds had a good win over Brockleians seconds by 52-5 which places them in mid table security in their Merit Table League. This coming Saturday there is the hope or possibility of three games as the seconds take on Southwark Lancers at home and the thirds travel to Shootershill