HEATH SECOND HALF CAPITULATION ENABLES DRIFFIELD TO SECURE VITAL WIN

Selection
15 Eddie Cartwright 14 Elliott Spiers 13 Jordan Bradbrook 12 Jack Malthouse 11 Callum Harriott-Brown 10 Chris Johnson 9 Dom Walsh 1 Jack Pilcher 2 Alex McFadden 3 Chris Moore 4 Matt Beasty 5 Fergus Marsden 6 Jason Merrie 7 Elliott Knight 8 Ben Stringer 16 Sam Fletcher 17 Rondene Johnson 18 Saif Boussaada

Scorers
Chris Johnson 1 pen

Report

Heath travelled over to Driffield for what was billed as the game of the day in Region 1 North East with both teams level on points as they try to chase down leaders Billingham. Paul Turner was unavailable so there was a starting berth for Jack Pilcher which was the only change to the starting fifteen with Rondene Johnson added to the bench. 

Conditions were ideal underfoot as Heath lined up playing into the wind and facing the sun as the home team kicked off in front of  a large crowd in this eagerly anticipated game and the supporters were not disappointed as both teams were prepared to throw the ball around in what was a frantic start.

An early penalty to Heath saw Chris Johnson find touch close to the Driffield touchline but the home defence stood firm and the ball was cleared. Back came Heath and next up Jack Pilcher drove to the line, supported by Elliott Spiers but Heath could not break down a resolute defence.

Driffield, after sustaining the early onslaught, now began to keep possession putting the visitors defence under pressure and only a superb cover tackle from Eddie Cartwright prevented Driffield from opening their account. Back came Heath as they again looked for an opening but following a missed tackle on the half-way line Driffield broke clear scoring a converted try to take the lead 7-0 with twenty-five minutes played.

Driffield quickly followed this up with a penalty conversion on the half hour mark, 10-0 and Heath needed to respond. On came Saif Boussaada and Rondene Johnson for Matt Beasty and Jack Pilcher and both were quickly into the action as Heath tried to claw their way back into the game. Next up, Sam Fletcher replaced Jack Malthouse and with Heath gaining in confidence, keeping possession and going through the phases, surely a break must come - but Driffields resilient defence could not be broken. Chris Moore and Saif Boussaada made strong yardage and Chris Johnson, Eddie Cartwright and Jordan Bradbrook linked well to try and force a breakthrough and as half time approached Heath were rewarded with a converted penalty from Chris Johnson, 10-3, and the game was wide open as the referee blew for half time. It had been a superb first half with both teams fully committed.

At the start of the second half the wind had dropped and the sun was gone as Heath kicked off and in the first collision Rondene Johnson and Ben Stringer clashed in the tackle and both  had to leave the pitch. Not the best start for Heath. Matt Beasty and Jack Pilcher returned to the action as Driffield took advantage as Heath re-grouped and they converted a penalty to increase their lead 13-3 with only forty-three minutes played.

From the re-start Driffield collected the ball and ran at the visitors defence and several missed tackles saw the home side go over for a try, 18-3 with forty-six minutes played and the game was slipping away. Heath needed to re-group and when Elliott Knight and Jack Pilcher made a break Eddie Cartwright was on hand to gallop into the opponents half but, as he sped for the touchline, a loose pass saw the move break down and the chance was lost. Driffield collected and broke free scoring another unconverted try to lead 25-3 and the game was lost with twenty-five minutes left to play.

Jack Malthouse returned for Elliott Spiers as Heath tried desperately to get back into the game but they were guilty of  making too many mistakes at crucial points in the game and Driffield took advantage. They were clinical in defence and when in possession were confident as they went in search of the bonus point fourth try. Spiers returned for the injured Sam Fletcher as Heath continued to struggle and it came as no surprise to see Driffield go over for a try with five minutes remaining, 30-3. Then, with minutes remaining, they broke through a Heath defence in disarray to round off the scoring with a converted try and a final score of 37-3 to secure maximum points. 

After a first half of open rugby with both teams equal in battle the second half saw Heath implode conceding four tries as well as two penalties as Driffield were clinical in their open play as well as solid in defence. The win for Driffield sees them sitting in second place with Heath dropping down to fourth spot. Next up for Heath is a trip to Scunthorpe, see you there!!!!!