Match Report: Old Haileyburians 27 - 22 Haywards Heath (18/01/2025)

After a well-earned Christmas break, OH returned to action in high spirits, knowing a win was crucial to keep their league hopes alive. They faced a strong Haywards Heath (HH) side who had made the journey from Sussex, adding to the electric atmosphere with a good turnout of old boys in the crowd.

HH started brightly, using an early touch finder from their scrum half to establish field position, resulting in a straightforward penalty for 3 points. OH responded with intensity. Dominant tackles from Peach and Wright led to a scrum deep in HH territory, setting the tone for OH’s superiority in the set piece. Wright capitalised with a powerful run to cross the line, giving OH a 5-3 lead.

With the likes of Bullard and Taylor making physical carries and Lowe marshalling the pack effectively, OH kept the pressure on. A dominant scrum on the 5m line saw the hosts march HH backward, resulting in another try – scorer unknown (likely Taylor, Wright, or Clesham). OH extended their lead to 10-3.

HH hit back with a quick response, their scrum-half creating opportunities for his teammates. A converted try levelled the score at 10-10, and a second HH try shortly afterward saw the visitors pull ahead, 15-10.

As the half wound down, OH found a second wind. Lowe’s perfectly delayed pass sent Costello across the gain line, followed by quick ball from Hancock and another pinpoint pass from Lowe to put Hopkin in the corner. Lowe added the extras, and OH headed into the break ahead 17-15.

The second half started with OH building momentum. A driving maul from a 5m lineout saw another try for the hosts (scorer unknown), extending the lead to 22-15. OH’s forwards continued to dominate, driving play upfield and creating space for Peach to link with Trimmer, who finished expertly in the corner. OH surged to 27-15.

HH refused to go quietly, with their full-back slicing through under the posts to narrow the gap to 27-22. The final minutes were tense, with HH dominating possession and piling on the pressure. However, OH’s defence held firm, repelling multiple attacks to secure a hard-fought victory.

Man of the Match honours were awarded to Lowe, whose game management was instrumental in dictating the flow of the match. His kicking game ensured OH consistently played in the right areas, while his vision in attack created pivotal scoring opportunities. This was a statement performance from OH, showcasing grit and composure in key moments. It sets a strong platform to build on for the remainder of the season.

Final score: Old Haileyburians 27 - 22 Haywards Heath

Next game: 25/01/2025
1st XV vs. London Cornish (A)
2nd XV vs. Chobham (H)

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Zac

The Old Haileyburian RFC

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