See how Haywards Heath rugby youngsters enjoyed a mudbath at Chichester RFC

In horrendous weather with strong winds and driving torrential rain, the game was given the go-ahead at the last possible moment allowing competition between two evenly matched teams to get under way.

You can see a video of the drenched and mud-caked Heath colts in the media player above

Heath were first to strike with an unconverted try from the forwards which was quickly matched at the other end of the pitch by Chichester.

A lot of Heath possession and territory failed to produce further points in the first half – although the Heath squad was playing some high octane rugby notwithstanding the challenging conditions.

The second half saw more Heath pressure rewarded with a second try after the Heath pack had made their way up the pitch with nearly 20 phases of driving and pick and go rugby.

With handling at a premium in tricky, slippery conditions this was no mean feat by a squad that was clearly glad to be back on the pitch.

A third try followed for Heath when more crash ball from the forwards took them up to the line before a quick pass moved the ball wide for the winger to crash over in the corner.

Demonstrating the competitiveness of this friendly encounter, there was still time for Chichester to score again and put Heath under pressure.

But a huge defensive effort kept the home side at bay allowing Heath to hold out for a hard fought 14-17 win.

This weekend the Heath Colts travel away again with a trip to Brighton Colts.

Meanwhile, Haywards Heath RFC seniors are at home against Uckfield this weekend – as long as the rain relents and pitches are playable.