Tough day out in Heathfield

With 7 players out through injury or covid, this second encounter of the season against Heathfield was always going to be tough going and it’s testament to the depth of the squad that the U16’s were able to travel down to Heathfield with not only a starting 15 but also 7 replacements.

Right from kickoff the forwards scrummaged well, (winning 2 against the head) and put to bed a slight area of concern after last weeks game against East Grinstead. For the first 10 minutes U16’s stuck to the game plan and it was pure luck that Heathfield got onto the score board with a break away try but heads did not drop.

However as the half progressed and with a forced replacement in front row for CRFC, Heathfield started to spread the ball wide and with their fast outside centre and wing found the try line on a few more occasions. Heads did not drop and despite a further 4 players coming off injured and some additional tactical substitutions, 5 players came on for their first league appearance.

As final whistle blew, coaches and parents could be proud of the way the lads dug deep - a true squad effort

Next week sees the return from injury of 5 starting XV players for the U16’s as they take on Horsham at Steel Cross (kick off 11am)