Heathfield & Waldron RFC

The U13’s have adapted well to playing on a full-sized pitch for the first time, and despite enjoying a good early season, were brought back to earth by Haywards Heath in the league fixtures. Since then, they have more than recovered, with league wins over Hove and Pulborough, and a hard fought loss to Brighton showing that they are more than capable of mixing it. More attention is need by the players to combining their undoubted individual talents, into a consistent team effort.

The U14s have had a great first half of the season. Losing the Rosslyn Park in their first game, they have now gone on a nine-game unbeaten run, and currently lead their league, with Horsham – who they play post-Christmas, close behind. Very pleasingly, a number of developing players have also shown great progress over the season, and this bodes well in terms of depth of talent and resources for the new year, as well as playing numbers in future seasons.

The U15’s are currently on track, standing alone at the top of their league table and unbeaten. A dynamic and athletic side, who have made considerable progress this season in terms of their overall gameplay. Several players are currently involved with the Sussex County side, and these players, amongst others, also made the step up to play at U16 level.

Our U16’s have struggled this season, and we have had to ‘grasp the nettle’ and address this as a club. Friendly wins over Pulborough and league leaders Crawley, were not transferred into the league games. However, a proud milestone was the game against Lewes. With the help of a number of U15’s H&WRFC took the game to Lewes. Although it ended as a loss, it clearly showed the undoubted talent that remains within this age group, and below. The plan was formed to combine this age group with the U17’s and colts.

The U17’s remain unbeaten, and will represent Sussex as one of the teams in the U17 National Cup, although some tough games remain ahead in the league. H&WRFC is the only club to field two colts sides, and this is even more remarkable given that both are very competitive outfits, both lying within the top 3 place

Finally, it should be known that the U12’s have had considerable success this season, and this bodes well for the next phase of their season, as well as for next season as an U13 side.

A number of events and milestones have taken place this season already;
Bring a Sister, Quiz Night, Classroom in the Clubhouse, October Workshops, YouTube Channel, Pitchero Updates (now 275th!), Player Profiles, Imagery and Sports Visualisation, Planning Approval for floodlights, MUGA use...

Finally, my thanks to all the players, coaches, managers, parents and supporters for your efforts and help over the course of the season so far.

Hadon Westerby