Heathens Academy 12 - 8 Newbury

It was a cold, winters day at Cams Alders. The mood was glum, just the day before coach Dan Hubbard had lost his 100% record after the second XV lost. Mark Patrick however had lined up a drunk touring side for his firsts so was enjoying more success in his new role. Today though the coaching dream team were reunited to take on Newbury.

Missing from the sidelines was talismanic mascot Chris Snell. It just wasn't the same without seeing him gee up the crowd, dressed in the Heathens mascot outfit of a 70s porn star, his little twinkle toes moving like a blur up the touchline. Even so, the players were in a determined mood and keen to take the game to the visiting side.

It was never going to be a glamarous affair in the conditions, and some exchanges between the forwards set the tone for the game. Heathens took the initiative to begin with and some hard yards combined with a couple of exciting breaks put them deep into Newbury's territory. An attack on the line was repelled, but the pressure told and a penalty was awarded. Within kicking distance, Captain Tom Hiron sent a message, and kicked for the corner. The attack failed, but posession was retained and some intelligent play put the home side back on the front foot. Drawing in defenders, the gap was created and the ball shipped to Nobby Wrightson who's electric pace got him in through the space. Jon Dawes slotted the conversion, 7-0.

The play was end to end until half time. Very much a forwards game, there was some gruelling phase play with defenses taking big hits to stop the momentum. A shortened half time followed to stop the onset of hypothermia, so quick motivational words were needed. Heathens could sense they were on the brink of something special, and were desperate to finish the task.

It was Newbury however who took the game on after the restart, with some fast, powerful and dynamic play up the centre of the park, Heathens were put on the back foot instantly and never really recovered. A penalty under the posts followed, and the pressure kept on coming. It looked likely there would be a drive-over try at one point but resolute defending kept the visitors at bay. Eventually a deft chip put Wrightson under pressure and with the weather getting worse by the minute he slipped and missed his mark. Newbury pounced and won the race to touch the ball down. 8-7 to Newbury.

It was at this point the tactical genius of Patrick and Hubbard (aka Geech and Telfer) came to the fore. Simon Gardner came galavanting onto the pitch for powerhouse flank AJ Mills. He immediately made an impact, turning over two Newbury attacks in as many minutes. From the resulting posession Joey Clark kicked for the corner and gave the away side a pressure lineout 10m out. Rob Patrick stole it, the pack formed to secure and drive, and the ball was popped out the man himself. Gardner burst blind to find a gap and duly crossed the line. 12-8.

Heathens managed to hold out for the win, however the balance of play was such that a win for either side would not have been the wrong result. For Heathens however, it marked a new dawn in their development. Heads were up in the knowledge that they could compete with, and beat, anybody. The songs in the changing room demonstrated what a tight unit they had become – if anyone wants to stop them in their tracks they are going to have to work hard for it.

Tries: Wrightson, Gardner
Cons: Dawes