during the West Sussex Mini Festival sponsored by Nuffield Health to witness hundreds of young players from Under 7 to Under 12 take to the pitches showing off their developing rugby skills. The competition between five West Sussex Clubs – Haywards Heath, Hove, Horsham, Shoreham, Crawley - and two age groups from Guernsey was intense and produced some high quality match ups throughout the day. Ross had the opportunity to meet the next generation of rugby talent – an experience that will inspire many of those present at Whitemans Green.

Heath RFC put in a strong performance across the age groups running out overall winners at U7s, U10s and U11s. The Heath Under 7s entered two strong squads into the competition and both gave a great display of mini rugby with the U7 first team beat Crawley, Horsham B, Hove A and Shoreham on route to the finals beating Horsham A comprehensively 7-4 to run out overall U7s festival winners. Haywards Heath Under 10s A team were also crowned West Sussex champions scoring 34 tries for and 1 try against and are looking good for defending their Sussex title from last season. The Under 10s B team came third in the main competition showing great character and demonstrating what great strength in depth Heath have in this age group.

Heath Under 11s played five and won five and were overall winners of the West Sussex title (team picture supplied). Heath Under 8s were third with Shoreham RFC winning this age group. Heath Under 12s also came third in their group, with Hove taking first place and Horsham runners-up. Heath Under 9s lost out in the main competition on try count back, having drawn with the eventual winners Horsham. The U9s went on to win the Plate competition beating Hove in the final. It was a fantastic competition at all age groups and demonstrated the strong foundation for the future of rugby in West Sussex. Prizes and medals were awarded on the Clubhouse decking by Peter Bailey of Sussex RFU and Ged Wilson of Nuffield Health Haywards Heath.

Sussex RFU can be proud that all the West Sussex Clubs present on Sunday and all their dedicated volunteer coaches are working hard to produce homegrown talent. Commenting on the event, Glen Jones, HHRFC Director of Rugby said “After all the hard work in organising an event such as this, the most rewarding aspect of the day was that so many youngsters clearly enjoyed playing rugby and developing their skills. The fact that they were able to see Ross Chisholm pitchside where he used to play when he was young will act as an inspiration to many of those present to try to emulate his success. Heath are grateful to Quins Rugby and Ross Chisholm for taking the time to come to Whitemans Green and give the young Heath players a role model to look up to.” With James winning Man of the Match playing for England U20s on Friday evening and their brother Ali playing number 15 for National 1 side Esher RFC this season, the Chisholms are showing off their skills on and off the rugby pitch and inspiring the next generation of rugby players to follow in their footsteps.