Heathens Academy 0 - 8 Winchester

The Cams Alders pitches were at bursting point following the wind and rain in the days leading up to this match. It took an army of parents, grandparents and siblings armed with buckets, mops and squeegies to make the ground playable. There was an air of excitement on the air in the build up to this top-of-the-table clash.

The Heathens players were nervous and excited but all up for the challenge of facing a Winchester side who have dominated at this age group for a number of years. Winchester kicked off, and the prevalent conditions showed immediately as the ball failed to go 10 having been caught by the wind. Some scrappy play followed before Heathens took control. A good period in the Winchester half put the favourites on the back foot, but strong and organised defence frustrated the home side.

Winchester regained posession and put Heathens under a sustained period of pressure. Strong, but somewhat scrambled defence coupled with a number of unforced errors kept the score even but the visitors were clearly getting into their stride. The pressure told, and a penalty was awarded in front of the posts. An assured kick in a difficult wind made it 3-0 Winchester. Heathens restarted but failed to secure posession. Winchester got a strong foothold and attacked fast and strong. The defence was breached, and they lead 8-0 at half time.

Motivating words from the coaching team and from Captain Johnny Tourettes saw a renewed energy from Heathens. The took posession and pinned the visitors in their 22. Winchester's defence was outstanding however and as time ticked on frustrations began to set in. Fareham refused to give in, and for all but 5 mins kept the ball in Winchester territory. Ultimately, time and a lack of enery counted against them, but the disappointment should not cloud the immense feeling of pride they deserve to feel. A huge effort by all, but once again the old adage of 'defence wins games' was proved true. Congratulations to Winchester, and thanks for a fantastic match!