Heath and Uckfield U12s finish season with silver
The Haywards Heath-Uckfield U12 girls capped their splendid 2023-24 season with victory at the Worthing National 10s tournament, which attracts teams from U12s to U18s from all over the country.
The Heath Hellcats U14s, combining with the East Sussex Barbarians, had a tough experience. Missing key players and facing very powerful and experienced sides, they showed exceptional grit and spirit and brought their positive season that saw them come top of their Waterfall League.
Meanwhile, 16 U12 teams faced each other in two pools, each playing seven games with the top teams playing in the final. Very small pitches and large crowds made for an intense atmosphere.
The Heath girls adapted their game brilliantly, tackling fiercely and playing strong, direct rugby in attack, hitting the line at pace and using their excellent handling skills.
An early win against Barker's Butts from Coventry set Heath-Uckfield on their way and was followed with comfortable wins against Guildfordians and Enfield. A powerful Barnes team were next and it finished 10-10.
This meant points difference would likely decide the final places, galvanising the Heath girls' approach as they sought to score as many tries as possible. Excellent wins against Horsham and Havant team finished off a very successful day one.
The squads all let their hair down on Saturday night at the Wild West Party, but the squad was three down on Sunday as injuries took their toll.
A 25-5 win over Farnham began the day and after Barnes missed out, it was Heath-Uckfield facing Welwyn in the final.
A superb break from flyhalf Lily Ford saw her heading for the corner, only to be stopped by a phenomenal Welwyn covering tackle, but concerted pressure eventually led to a strong run and try for talismanic centre Chloe Rayner. Rayner doubled her account shortly afterwards.
Welwyn hit back with an interception try before a tackle from Marharyta Turenko turned defence into attack. Heath added a third try through Sophia Speight.
Heath-Uckfield were champs and the trophy was presented by Harlequins and England’s Emily Robinson.