The first game of 2025 took the U16’s girls to Haywards Heath. Both teams could only field 13 aside with Haywards Heath unable to put out a front row, the game was played with uncontested scrums.

Having played Haywards Heath last year, the threat of the powerful HH’s number 8 was well known, and she was able to create early space allowing Heath to score quickly.
From then on, Hastings/Seaford upped their tackling and contested furiously at rucks. This caused Haywards Heath to make forced errors and allowed a strong platform for our backs to shine through. Frustratingly, Haywards Heath were able to take back control and scored a few quick tries.

Following several strong phases, allowing every player to step up and make impactful play, making lots of meters and crunching through contact, Hastings\Seaford were able to score. The wind was not helping kicks, so the conversion went wide.

Hastings/Seaford suffered several injuries and were brought down to 10 players at several points throughout the match. Haywards Heath scored a couple of breakaway scores to end the half, using their additional numbers well.

Starting the second half with just 12 players, and the conditions deteriorating, Seaford/Hastings fought on and really showed some quality set drills alongside the signature gritty determination we have come to expect from our U16 girls.

Against a couple more Haywards Heath scores, created by their strong captain, Hastings/Seaford were able to create a well worked score, utilising support play.

The game concluded with a final Heath score.

Jes was selected as Players Player and Matilda, for her furious ball carrying, was given Coaches Player.