EXCELLENT START TO 2020

15 Eddie Cartwright  14 Si Brown  13 Ezra Hinchliffe  12 Willie Tufui  11 Callum Harriett-Brown  10 Dan Cole  9 Dan Cole  1 Olly Cook  2 Alex McFadden  3 Chris Moore  4 Matt Beasty  5 Saif Boussaada  6 Dave Skinner  7 Jonny Cole  8 Alex Patrick  16 Luke Saltonstall 17 Joe Shipman  18 Paul Turner

Heath travelled to Sandyhill Lane to take on mid-table Selby in their first game of 2020 looking for a favourable result to maintain top spot. Selby at home is always a difficult game and having had a three week break for the festive season the large contingent of travelling supporters were hoping for a solid performance from the visitors. Joe Shipman was the only change to the side having a spot on the bench for the holidaying Jordan Moana.

In glorious conditions Heath were prominent in the early stages of the game as Selby lost the services of a prop sent to the sin-bin for a dangerous tackle but unfortunately Ezra Hinchliffe missed an opportunity to open the score when his penalty kick went just wide of the posts. Heath continued to try to prise open the home defence and some superb kicking from Dom Walsh and Dan Cole enabled Heath to maintain their attacks. However, as always, Selby withstood the pressure and broke free but the visitors defence stood firm. On 20 minutes Heath had a breakthrough. Following yet another clever kick to space from Dom Walsh, Selbys attempted clearance was charged down by Saif Boussadda and he pounced on the ball to score a try in the corner. Hinchliffe added the extras following a superb conversion from the touchline and Heath led 7-0.

From the re-start Dan Cole received the ball and immediately punted it back, Heath gave chase and for the next 10 minutes there followed some excellent play from both sides as they looked to score tries. On 30 minutes Olly Cook, who had put in a solid stint, was replaced by Paul Turner and shortly after Joe Shipman entered the field replacing Boussadda. Selby were looking dangerous as half time approached but despite Dave Skinner receiving a yellow Heath stood firm as the half time whistle sounded.

Luke Saltonstall replaced the injured Willie Tufui at the start of the second half as Heath went on the charge and could have increased their lead on 42 minutes from a penalty but Hinchliffes attempt was just wide. Play was even as the home side went in search of a score but from a dropped ball on the halfway line Heath were fortunate when prop Chris Moore kicked the ball through and gave chase. He was quickly overtaken by the flying Callum Harriett-Brown who won the chase for the ball, scoring Heaths second try, converted by Ezra Hinchliffe and a score of 14-0 with 50 minutes played. This inspired Heath and they mounted a number of attacks with Selby struggling to contain the onslaught. Dan Cole was once again instrumental with a darting run and the supporting Paul Turner was on hand to surge forwards but the home side stood firm.

Saif Boussadda and Olly Cook returned to the action with Dave Skinner and Chris Moore departing to maintain the pressure but Selby broke free and scored a consolation try,14-5, with 70 minutes played. It was time for Heath to close the game down and despite playing a large amount of overtime Heath were in control as the final whistle sounded.

A battle as always but points in the bag and mission accomplished. This was a solid team performance from Heath against a very useful Selby side and they now turn their sights to next week when they entertain local rivals Old Brodleians in a must win derby game.