Last Sunday, Haywards Heath & Uckfield combined U14 girls squad welcomed Horsham to Whitemans Green for a league match which turned out to be a memorable and nail-biting encounter.

After a successful U12s season that saw this group crowned Sussex and Worthing National 10s champions, the step up to U14s was always going to be an interesting challenge, and Heath-Uckfield are yet to fully find their feet this season as they adapt to the demands of the older age group and face more experienced and physical opposition. Despite strong showings at the Cobham and Guildfordians festivals and early season victories over Havant and East Grinstead, the week before had seen the girls defeated 12-10 by the East Sussex Barbarians, so they were looking for a much improved performance to get back to winning ways,

Heath-Uckfield got off to a good start with a try from inside centre Speight after five minutes, but the visitors dominated the scoring for the next phase of the game, with three tries, all converted by their very impressive fly half and goal kicker. Powerful in the scrum and at the breakdown and with a number of pacy runners in the backs, Horsham were clearly on top.

Finding themselves 21-5 down at half time, the Heath-Uckfield needed to show real grit and spirit to get back in the game. Captain Bromley ensured heads did not drop and was an inspiration in attack and defence. A tremendous try from outside centre Harada put them back within two scores, before another Horsham converted try extended the visitors lead to 28-10.

A phenomenal comeback followed, with a try on the left wing from Tennant followed by another from Harada, this one converted by Speight. Conversions being a new feature this season (along with full size pitches, lineouts and 8-person contested scrums), the team's first successful kick at goal of the season could not have come at a better time!

Buoyed by this, Speight then caught the ball directly from the kick off on the 22 and set off, covering 80 metres and evading numerous tackles for a tremendous individual try that brought the deficit to within a single point. Ford calmly slotted over the conversion to give Heath-Uckfield a lead that had seemed improbable for much of the match.

Horsham had opportunities over the last 8 minutes, with a couple of kickable penalties turned down as they looked for a try that would seal victory, but Heath-Uckfield defences remained steadfast and a one point victory was secured.

While still a long way from their best, the Heath U14s girls and their coaching team were understandably very proud of their fight back and the final result against a very strong Horsham outfit.

With fixtures every Sunday against teams from across the south east and midweek training on alternate Tuesdays at Whitemans Green and Wednesdays at Uckfield, the U14s Heath girls squad is always keen to welcome new players, alongside the Heath girls U12s and U16s. Any girls interested in experiencing rugby at Heath, whatever level of experience, should email rugby@hhrfc.co.uk.

Heath-Uckfield U14 squad: Kimberley Aldridge, Sophia Bromley, Poppy Cross, Charlie Dodkin, Lily Ford, Cassie Funnell, Koh Harada, Harriet Hawkins, Arwen Kean, Imogen Lambe, Isla Morton, Zoe Piper, Chloe Rayner, Sophia Speight, Ellie Tennant, Lexi Turner, Annie Wetton