GLADITORIAL BATTLE AS HEATH TAKE THE SPOILS TO STAY TOP OF THE LEAGUE

Selection:

15 Jack Bruce 14 Elliott Spiers 13 Callum Harriott-Brown 12 Ezra Hinchliffe 11 Jake Haynes 10 Chris Johnson 9 Sam Cox 1 Chris Moore 2 Alex McFadden 3 Josh Crickmay 4 Pete Hampshire 5 Seif Boussaada 6 Ben Stringer 7 Jonny Cole 8 Harvey Keighley-Payne 16 Ben Hall 15 Josh Beck 18 Jack Pilcher

Scorers.

Elliott Spiers, try x 1.  Chris Johnson, Conv x 1.  Pens x 2.

Report.

Heath welcomed Harrogate to North Dean, in what was the game of the day in Region 1 North East.  With Heath looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the season and with Harrogate hoping to close the gap at the top of the league. There was a starting berth for Pete Hampshire in the second row and Jack Bruce returned from injury at full back. On the bench, Josh Beck made his league debut alongside Jack Pilcher and Ben Hall. Conditions were perfect as the teams entered the arena with a large gathering of supporters hoping to witness an epic game and they were not to be disappointed.

The visitors kicked off playing towards the Stainland Road end and early exchanges saw both teams testing each other out. Following early pressure on the Heath defence Jake Haynes scooped up a lost ball and set off running for the visitors try-line but with a couple of metres to go he was bundled into touch and the chance was gone.

Harrogate were guilty of a couple of high tackles and, from one, Chris Johnson converted a penalty and Heath led 3-0 with ten minutes on the clock. The visitors' response was immediate, becoming encamped in the home team's half but Heath were in no mood to concede with every player putting their body on the line to prevent a score. A huge clearance from Chris Johnson saw Callum Harriott-Brown give chase but the visitors' defence covered and another chance was gone.

The game was developing into a real battle with neither side prepared to give leeway and with thirty five minutes played Jack Pilcher came on for Chris Moore to try and see out the half. An altercation between Ezra Hinchliffe and Harrogate's Tom Steen saw both players carded as the visitors continued to bombard the home defence and, in the final play of the half, they scored an unconverted try to take the lead 5-3 as the half time whistle sounded.

The second half began with both teams continuing to go head to head in a ding dong battle and when back to full strength the collisions were immense. Pete Hampshire made way for Josh Beck, who quickly got into the action.

As the game entered the final quarter Heath were awarded a penalty following a dangerous tackle on Ezra Hinchliffe and up stepped the reliable boot of Chris Johnson to calmly slot the ball between the posts and Heath led 6-5.

The visitors responded yet again but, despite being awarded two penalties, the kicks were wide of the mark, much to the relief of the Heath supporters. An outrageous clearance kick from Johnson found touch and it was a chance for the home side but Harrogate were in no mood to concede and the moment was gone.

Heath were keeping hold of the ball trying to pull the visitors defence apart and when not in possession they were tackling like demons to win it back. Pete Hampshire came on for Seif Boussaada as Heath went in search of another score and it came in unusual circumstances. An audacious attempted drop goal from Chris Johnson went horribly wrong  and, with all the players looking for the ball to go dead, Elliott Spiers gave chase and managed to get a touch on the ball to score a try, converted by Johnson and a score of 13-5 with five minutes left to play.

Harrogate responded immediately looking for a score to get the losing bonus point but urged on by the home supporters Heath held firm to see out the game and to grab the crucial win.

This was a tremendous game between two evenly matched teams who went head to head to entertain the large crowd with some magnificent rugby. The result sees Heath maintain their winning run to sit proudly at the top of the league. Harrogate drop to fourth, with Ilkley and Alnwick in second and third spots. Next up is a visit to Guisborough for a Yorkshire Cup game. As always see you there!!!!!!!!!

League results, here.

League Table, here.

Photos: 

Three photographers with Heath, today.  Bev Clough, Andy Keighley and Garf'. Pictures annotated re photographer.

More of Bev Clough's photos can be viewed on her Facebook page, here.