NORTH 1 EAST PLAY OFF FINAL WEST HARTLEPOOL 24 HEATH 23
15 Eddie Cartwright 14 Chris Robinson 13 Issy Spooner 12 Ezra Hinchliffe 11 Callum Harriett-Brown 10 Dan Cole 9 Michael Reynolds 1 Dave Skinner 2 Alex McFadden 3 Chris Moore 4 Matt Beasty 5 Alex Patrick 6Jonny Cole 7 Jason Merrie 8 Richard Brown 16 Jordan Moana 16 Fergus Marsden 18 Chris Piper 19 Jack Crabtree
Heath made the journey to the North East to take on West Hartlepool with promotion to North 1 East at stake to the winners. Both teams had finished second in their relevant leagues and it was difficult to predict the winner but for the neutral, and for the large number of supporters who had travelled up the A1, there could only be one winner. Heath had tremendous, and very vocal support, and there was an expectancy from all as the boys in maroon entered the arena to the sound of trumpets, cymbols and cheering which created a superb atmosphere in what was going to be a tense and exciting game.
Heath kicked off with a swirling wind at their backs and immediately went on the attack. Dan Coles kick was deep into the home sides 22 and they had no option but to find touch. From the line-out Wests won the ball but Jason Merrie stole and set up a charge as the home defence was put under severe pressure. This pressure told and when Heath were awarded a penalty after 5 minutes Ezra Hinchliffe calmly slotted the ball between the posts and Heath led 3-0. Wests response was immediate as they stormed back scoring an unconverted try after 11 minutes to lead 5-3. The game was being played at a frantic pace and when Eddie Cartwright went on a run he was bundled into touch. From the line-out Heath put pressure on and were awarded another penalty which Hinchliffe converted and Heath regained the lead 6-5 with 15 minutes on the clock. What a start to the game which had become tenacious and ferocious as both teams battered each other to provide compelling viewing. On 20 minutes Heath increased their lead again with a third penalty from Hinchliffe and when Wests made a mistake on the half way line after 30 minutes Hinchliffe scooped up the ball and set off for the try-line. With the home defence closing in a slip pass to Dan Cole enabled him to run clear and go under the posts for a try, converted by Hinchliffe, and a score of 16-5 satisfied the Heath supporters as the Wests support looked shell shocked. Shortly after Matt Beasty was sin binned for a high tackle and this seemed to inspire Wests as they came back with a penalty conversion and just before half time a drop kick conversion and a score of 16-11 meant Wests were back in the game.
Fergus Marsden replaced Beasty as Heath began the second half with Issy Spooner going on a maizy run before releasing Ezra Hinchliffe and Eddie Cartwright before the full back was bundled into touch. Back came Wests with some astute kicking putting pressure on the visitors defence but following superb work by Jason Merrie on the half way line the supporting Ezra Hinchliffe grasped the ball and then released Callum Harriett-Brown and the winger ran in for a second Heath try, converted by Hinchliffe, and Heath led 23-11 with 47 minutes on the clock. It was a real battle and Dave Skinner and Alex McFdden, who had both put in a stint and a half, were replaced by Chris Piper and Jordan Moana. West continued to chip away at the Heath defence and a penalty conversion on 54 minutes reduced the arrears 23-14. Back came Heath with Chris Moore and Alex Patrick having prominent runs before Jonny Cole who was backing up was held just short of the line as a try looked certain. The pressure was building both on and off the field and when Eddie Cartwright was sin binned for not rolling away Wests took advantage scoring a converted try on 65 minutes and a score of 23-21 meant it was anyones game. With ten minutes left both teams were still battering each other in what was becoming a colossal battle. Dave Skinner returned for Chris Moore and with the minutes passing Heath seemed to be controlling the game. A penalty attempt from Ezra Hinchliffe went agonisingly wide with two minutes remaining Wests sent the ball long with the re-start. Issy Spooner collected and went on another run to set Heath back onto the attack. Wests would not let go and deep into injury time with the home crowd urging their players on Heath gave a way a crucial penalty. The crowd fell silent as the ball was placed near the touchline for a difficult conversion. Captain Stu Waites stepped up again and calmly slotted the ball over to snatch the game for Wests and secure promotion and deny Heath of a victory.
Wests players and supporters were ecstatic as Heath were left completely deflated wondering how they had lost the game. A magnificent effort from both sides and congratulations should go to West Hartlepool. Heath must now pick themselves up and prepare for the Yorkshire Shield final against local rivals Old Brodleians on Thursday in what could be another enthralling encounter.
Vic Heritage was there to take photographs for us - see his excellent selection at:
The Clubhouse
North Dean
Stainland Rd
Greetland
Halifax
HX4 8LS
