LAST MINUTE TRY SECURES DRAW AGAINST OLD BRODLEIANS IN TENSE DERBY BATTLE

Selection:

15 Eddie Cartwright 14 Elliott Spiers 13 Joe Morrison 12 Tom Owen 11 Callum Harriott-Brown 10 Alex Bull 9 Dom Walsh 1 Paul Turner 2 Jack Pilcher 3 Chris Moore 4 Matt Beasty 5 Seif Boussaada 6 Wil McLaughlin 7 Jonny Cole 8 Ben  Stringer 16 Oliver Scrimshaw 17 Alex McFadden 18 Fergus Marsden

Report:

Heath travelled over to local rivals Old Brodleians looking to get back on the winning trail after two defeats in recent weeks, as they chased a top three finish to the season. Returning to the starting line- up was Alex Bull, while on the bench Fergus Marsden made a welcome return following injury.

A large crowd had gathered for the spectacle and in glorious conditions Heath kicked off playing down the slope and they had a great opportunity to get on the scoreboard when they were awarded a penalty, in the second minute, but Bull's effort was just wide. Brod's response was immediate as they went on the attack scoring a well worked converted try after six minutes to lead 7-0.

The visitors were quick to come back and with the Heath forwards getting the upper hand it came as no surprise to see Ben Stringer go over for a try to reduce the arrears to 7-5 with ten minutes played. It was a frantic start to a typical derby and from a scrum in the Heath 22 a quick pass from Dom Walsh to Callum Harriott-Brown saw the wingman set off on a flying run, exposing a weak home defence, to score in the corner Heaths second try. The kick from Bull was superbly converted and Heath fully deserved their 12-7 lead with fifteen minutes on the clock.

From this point Brods managed to re-group and kept possession of the ball well and, having converted two penalties, led 13-12 with thirty minutes played. Heath seemed to have lost the plot and were making too many mistakes. Paul Turner had to leave the field so on came Alex McFadden and shortly after Fergus Marsden replaced Matt Beasty but they could not prevent yet another penalty conversion and with Jonny Cole sent  to the bin Heath could not wait for the half time whistle to sound with Brods leading and in control at  16-12.

There were some harsh words said from the coaching staff over the half time period but from the re-start Heath conceded yet another penalty and the home side increased their lead to 19-12. Heath could not keep possession of the ball and when Brods robbed them, yet again, a great kick down the field was chased down by the home side to score a converted try and a lead of 26-12 with fifty minutes played looked unassailable for the visitors. Heath needed to somehow get back on the scoreboard and it looked as if the supporters were granted their wish when, following good work from Seif Boussaada, Jack Pilcher and Fergus Marsden the ball came out to Callum Harriott-Brown for a certain try but their hopes were dashed as the referee ruled an infringement and awarded Brods a penalty.

Undeterred, Heath continued to press and with the home side desperate to defend their lead had a man sent to the bin and this was Heaths opportunity. Matt Beasty and Olly Scrimshaw came on for Seif Boussaada and Alex Bull on the hour mark as Heath continued to batter a resolute home defence. Boussaada returned to the action following injury to Ben Stringer with ten minutes remaining. Brods seemed to have weathered the storm and were on the attack when Harriott-Brown collected the ball and linked up with Elliott Spiers. The wingman pinballed off attempted tackles before releasing Eddie Cartwright who skirted through the home defence to reduce the arrears with a converted try and a score of 26-19 with six minutes left to play.

There was still time to get something from the game and urged on by their loyal supporters Heath began to mount yet another assault on the Brods defence. Desperate to cling on for the win Brods gave away a penalty and Dom Walsh found touch 5 metres from the home try-line. Heath won the ball and drove forwards, as they moved towards scoring that vital try and, with seconds remaining, Fergus Marsden popped up with the ball for a try - converted by Cartwright and Heath had snatched a dramatic draw.

Brods were dejected but Heath had managed to get something from a game that was dead and buried on the hour mark. The result leaves Heath in fourth spot but the unexpected home loss by third place Cleckheaton leaves them just two points behind with a game in hand. The last four games are going to be crucial and, with a visit to bottom club Bradford and Bingley next week, Heath will be looking for maximum points to keep up the pressure.