Heathfield and Waldron VS Bromley RFC

BROMLEY EDGE THRILLER AT HEATHFIELD AND WALDRON

Bromley travelled to Heathfield and Waldron on Saturday knowing that they were in for a tough afternoon but also very aware that they needed the win. What enfolded was a terrific game between two fine proper grassroots rugby teams played out in front of a big crowd. Bromley, characteristically, had a few changes with Milne, Miles, Johnny Griffiths and Haisell all returning to the fray. Mercifully the weather had improved and so conditions and the pitch, although heavy underfoot, were good. The away side started off at a fair old lick and were rewarded on three minutes when Johnny Griffiths slotted a comfortable penalty. For the next twenty minutes or so both sides went hammer and tongs at each other with some outstanding play both in attack and defence. There were try scoring opportunities but somehow this eluded both teams. Heathfield and Waldron’s tactical kicking was stretching Bromley’s rearguard and on twenty seven minutes this led to their undoing with Smith scoring a fine unconverted try. Bromley responded and gave the home defence a thorough examination but they were well up for the challenge. However, the black and ambers got their reward with another Griffiths penalty.

Half time 5-6. Could both teams keep up the pace in the second half?

Not quite with the play becoming more attritional and the physicality intense. Penalties were exchanged leading to the home side being in the lead 11-9 going into the final stages of the game. It was now all or nothing for Bromley but they did not panic and worked their way into the home twenty two. They kept hold of the ball through a number of phases and then made a thunderous forward charge towards the line with Milne touching down. Griffiths added the conversion which nicked in off the post. 11-16. Still five or six minutes to play but Bromley with the aid of a wonderful 50-22 kept the home team at bay and held out for the win. So ended a great contest and the coaches and players of both teams can be very proud of themselves in producing such a high quality game between two very well drilled outfits. Many candidates for Bromley’s Player of the Match but it deservedly went to hooker Harry Milne who gives it everything each game he plays.

Back at HQ, the seconds took on Faversham. They played them away earlier in the season and knew this was going to be a serious physical challenge for a young team but they were more than up for it. In a high scoring gam,e they emerged winners by 48-26. Also at home were the thirds whose merit table opposition cried off but they picked up a friendly against Westcombe Park. The threes certainly enjoyed themselves as they won 57-7. After a lot of very hard work, a fourth team with opposition was also arranged. It was terribly disappointing when late on Friday evening their opponents cried off. No criticism of them but it just highlights the parlous state of grassroots rugby yet again. Second team Player of the Match was Joey Richardson and for the thirds Charlie White.

This coming Saturday the firsts are at home to Crowborough, the seconds are away at Medway and the threes have a very tough looking fixture against Beckenham. There is also another President’s Lunch with associated fun and games. Please come and support the team they really appreciate it.