York battle to the end, but Heath finish on a high.

Selection:
15 Eddie Cartwright 14 Elliott Spiers 13 Joe Morrison 12 Sam Fletcher 11 Callum Harriott-Brown 10 Chris Johnson 9 Dom Walsh 1 Paul Turner 2 Alex McFadden 3 Chris Moore 4 Matt Beasty 5 Fergus Marsden 6 Harvey Keighley-Payne 7 Jason Merrie 8 Ben Stringer 16 Matthew Hallett 17 Saif Boussaada 18 Jack Pilcher

Scorers:   
Joe Morrison 1 try Callum Harriott-Brown 1 try Saif Boussaada 1 try  Penalty try  Chris Johnson 1 Con and 2 Pens

Report:

Heath welcomed back Harvey Keighley-Payne as Dir Rugby Harry shuffled the pack; with Fergus Marsden moving back to second row and captain Chris Moore, who was rested in the last game, having a start at prop with Jack Pilcher and Saif Boussaada on the bench. The unavailability of Tom Owen saw Sam Fletcher start at centre while Eddie Cartwright was at full back with Matthew Hallett making up the bench.

It was a gloomy afternoon with showery weather forecast, so the lights were on for this vital clash with a York side looking to end Heath's unbeaten start to the season. The visitors kicked off playing towards the Stainland Road end and early exchanges saw some brutal tackling from both sides before the visitors were awarded a penalty and took advantage with a super kick to take the lead 3-0 with 10 minutes on the clock.

Heath responded immediately and when Chris Johnson found touch in the visitors 22 York could not handle the catch and drive and it looked like Chris Moore had scored a try, only for the referee to signal he was held up over the line and York cleared. Heath remained patient, going through the phases and, with 20 minutes played, drew level with a Chris Johnson penalty 3-3. The game was end to end as both teams probed to find a breakthrough.

On the half hour mark Saif Boussaada and Jack Pilcher entered the field with Chris Moore and Matt Beasty taking a break from the intensity of the game. Shortly after, Jason Merrie was carded and York took advantage and were rewarded with a second converted penalty to lead 6-3 with 35 minutes played. From the restart, York were unable to clear the ball as Alex McFadden charged down the attempted clearance, giving Heath possession. Once again, the home side kept control of the ball driving into the visitors defence and when Chris Johnson released Harvey Keighley-Payne, his slick pass to Callum Harriott-Brown saw the wingman storm over in the corner and Heath led 8-6.

From the restart Harriott- Brown was injured in a tackle and Matthew Hallett entered the arena. As half time approached, York were pressurising the home defence but they could not penetrate it as the referee blew for half time.

As expected the half had been even with nothing to separate the teams with the large crowd thoroughly enthralled in this titanic battle.

The second half began with Heath on the attack and, when Jason Merrie made a surging run, the ball was collected by Chris Johnson whose kick to the corner found touch. York collected and cleared, but  Heath were beginning to get on top and following an excellent pick up and drive from Jack Pilcher, he slipped the ball to the supporting Saif Boussaada who drove for the line. York were holding on but when the ball came back out the Heath back line were quick to take advantage and Joe Morrison was on hand to finish off a superb move with a try, 13-6 with 45 minutes played.

Once again, York came back strong but Heath were in no mood to concede, putting in some bruising tackles as the visitors struggled. Chris Johnson increased Heaths lead with a penalty on 65 minutes, 16-6. The crowd were totally absorbed with the encounter as Chris Moore replaced Jack Pilcher. Eddie Cartwright and Matthew Hallett linked well to set up another Heath attack with Elliott Spiers just missing a score, with the visitors struggling to keep them at bay. Heath were beginning to turn the screw as the forwards drove into a now weary York defence and following two drives to the line, Saif Boussaada was on hand to score a third try, converted by Johnson, 23-6 with two minutes plus injury time remaining.

Pilcher returned for the injured Ben Stringer as Heath now went in search of a bonus point try. York responded with yet another onslaught on the home sides line but could not break down a resolute defence. Heath responded with yet another surge into the visitors half. Chris Johnson found touch with a great kick and Heath piled forwards deep into injury time. The visitors were clinging on and after giving away successive penalties the referee had no option but to award Heath a penalty try for a final score of 30-6 and all five points secured.

This was titanic battle between two evenly matched sides. Although the score suggests a different game Heath were made to fight all the way to secure all five league points and restrict York to two penalties. The results sees Heath maintain their lead at the top of the league as they now turn their attentions to next weeks visit to Billingham who moved up to second place following an away win at Driffield. Should be yet another close game. 
 

Match-day Sponsor:  Complete Brickwork.

Rest of the Day's results:  Click here.

League Table:  Click here.

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