Haywards Heath can thrive in the national league, according to the man who sent them to first day defeat.

Tabard coach Ivor Jones masterminded his side's 22-20 comeback success at Whitemans Green in Saturday's division three south opener.

It was a stunning setback for Heath, who led 20-0 after just 24 minutes of their first game at the higher level.

Jones, though, saw enough to convince him Heath will cope fine this season.

He said: "I thought they were very good. They have got a big pack, well drilled, good organisation and their backs are very sharp.

"We did help them out with some poor defence in the first half but they should be okay in this league.

"They have got to learn not to take their foot off the pedal. They thought they had the game won and they let us back in."

Mark Pymm's two early tries, the first after just 55 seconds, and an Alex Meredith score, put Heath in charge.

Jones admitted: "Haywards Heath didn't want half-time to happen. If it had carried on without a break they would have won."

Saturday's opening day results have given Heath another glimpse of how tough the season could be.

Basingstoke, the side they beat 23-19 in the cup ten days ago, crashed 65-13 at Barking.