Trinity 48 Haywards Heath 7
On a beautiful playing surface at Trinity School, Trinity got off to a very promising start to their season. The match was preceded by a minute’s silence to remember Trinity and Old Mids’ stalwart John Crate who died on Thursday, following a diagnosis of leukemia.

Trinity, backed by a stiff breeze, were quickly on the board after a powerful pack had won two scrum penalties and, from the second of these Farooq Agbalaya forced his way over in the corner.  George Kimmins kicked a beautiful conversion from the touchline for 7-0 after 7 minutes. From the kick-off Fuad Agbalaya , always keen to match his brother, put in a powerful carry and the ball went through the hands before David Hoffmann took it on and then made a lovely pass to Max Farrell who sped down the right to score. 12-0 after 9 minutes. 7 minutes later a long clearance by Ben Telfer was chased by Archie McMillan and his tackle won a penalty.  Kimmins found the corner and Trinity moved the ball right.  Another fine carry by Fuad created a platform for Olly Hubbard, who was up in support, to score the third try.  Kimmins converted and it was 19-0 after only 19 minutes.  Heath came a bit more into the game but a strong run by their powerful No.8 was stemmed by a terrier-tackle from Josh Joubert. A turnover by Hubbard put the hosts on the offensive and a trademark run by Quinn Singh set up Farrell for another chance which was well defended by the visitors. Singh was then carded for preventing a quick penalty and was replaced in the front row by Ozzie Edwards.

Heath were really struggling to get a foothold in the match and on two occasions missed touch with penalties which might have given them some field position. Then they too lost a man to a yellow card.  Instead, Trinity ran back at them with Joubert constantly breaking and finding space and just failing to score or create a score for others on numerous occasions. When Heath did get ball, Trinity were in their faces so quickly that they got nowhere.  Tom Wilcox and McMillan were impressive in their tackling. The pressure was maintained and Joubert, Farrell and McMillan came close before Kimmins stretched the lead to 22-0 with a long penalty after 25 minutes. This remained the score despite constant pressure from Trinity including a fine carry by Wilcox. There was a long stoppage when one of the Heath front rows was injured and needed treatment, which was delivered to an excellent degree, the physios carefully following the protocols.

Heath did not do any better in the second half despite wind advantage. It did not help them that they incurred another yellow card. They conceded several penalties, and a confident home team was now running these with Kimmins doing the choreography. On 49 minutes he put Ali Hall over for the bonus point try and then retired for a rest with Telfer taking over at fly half and Adam Sheehy making his debut at full back.  Trinity created move after move with Telfer making some breaks and strong runs and Joubert continually producing his tricks.  If he learns to find that final pass at the right time, he will create myriad scores! All over the field Trinity were showing far greater fitness. The debutants David Williams at second row and Sheehy showed plenty of ability and veteran Mark Macaskill came off the bench looking hungry for another season’s graft. Marc McEvilly put in several good charges and narrowly failed to score a try when play was called back.  There was no let-up in the tackling with Hoffmann joining in here and more good work from Farrell, Wilcox, McMillan and Barney Kember who also showed some lovely touches on the wing, though he got little chance to show his paces. Edwards showed real fire and pace when he flew towards the posts and was strong enough to force his way over. Telfer converted. There were further sallies from Telfer and he and Kember produced a lovely move on the left which just failed to yield a try. McMillan, Farooq and Hubbard continued to win turnovers – Hubbard seemed to be everywhere!  On 33 minutes Trinity had an attacking scrum. They drove, Farooq picked up, and the flying Telfer was there to take the pass and score a try which he converted. It was now 41-0 but Heath eventually got a consolation try when Sheehy had tidied up well at the back, but his long pass was harshly adjudged forward, and Heath managed the position well to create a try which they converted. Trinity were stung back into action and fine runs by Wilcox and Telfer were followed by another from Farrell whose pace made space for Joubert eventually to get his name on the scoresheet, after knocking on the door all afternoon. Telfer converted and Trinity were convincing winners.

Coach Matt Higgins will be well pleased with this start.

Match report by GERRY MURPHY

CLICK HERE for Pete Filewood’s photo album of the game on Flickr