Warlingham marked the return of women’s rugby to Hamsey Green in style with an entertaining 34–22 victory over Haywards Heath, played in perfect conditions and watched by a crowd of around 200 supporters, writes David Halliwell.

The Wildcats began brightly, linking forwards and backs with confidence as half-backs Vee Kingham and Abby Wynne orchestrated slick passing across the field. Winger Georgia Wright’s break down the left stretched the visiting defence, allowing the ball to be worked back inside where home-grown Mary-Anne O’Hara powered over the line for the opening try.

Warlingham continued to build momentum through strong work in the scrum from engine room heroes Sally Roberts and Kirsty Bateman. After forcing a goal-line drop-out, the hosts quickly recycled possession and Millie Griffiths showed great footwork to evade defenders and score in the corner.

Despite the early lead, the contest at the breakdown remained fierce. Sophie Shaw led the effort to secure turnover ball with Phoebe Robichard-Gavin making herself a nuisance for Heath at the ruck, while Rei Williams made a series of powerful carries and collisions to keep Warlingham moving forward. Centres Aoife Cunningham and Jodie Wyatt found space as the game opened up, and Robyn Whittle looked dangerous on the right wing.

Haywards Heath responded with a superb length-of-the-field try from Florie Taylor-Waters, rewarding the visitors’ persistence and determination. Nevertheless, Warlingham held a 15–5 advantage at half-time as players and supporters took a brief break alongside cheers from Warlingham’s U9 “Witches”, who had earlier played in an all-girls curtain-raiser tournament.

The Wildcats again started the second half strongly. Captain Hayley Sasserath, whose initiative helped reignite women’s rugby at the club, led from the front with powerful carries and decisive leadership. Wynne added points to the board with a brave finish before Williams produced a huge tackle to regain possession for Warlingham in what was her first ever game of contact rugby.

Griffiths then capped an outstanding all-round performance by crashing over for another Wildcats try. Griffiths’ tireless work rate was central to Warlingham’s success throughout the match.

Sasserath soon added a memorable try of her own, carrying four defenders with her across the line to the loudest cheer of the afternoon. Flanker Ele Parry then sealed what looked like a comfortable victory by charging down a clearing kick and skilfully dribbling the ball over the line to score.

Haywards Heath, however, refused to give in. The visitors finished strongly with three well-worked tries in the closing stages, combining sharp handling and clever running to expose gaps in a tiring defence.

The final whistle was met with loud cheers from the home crowd, celebrating not only the victory but the long-awaited return of the Wildcats to Hamsey Green. As the Red Roses kick off their Six Nations campaign, this Warlingham squad made up of first-time players, experienced campaigners and returning heroes hope the occasion will help inspire a new generation of women and girls to take up the game at the club.

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