HEATH SECURE WIN IN BRUISING BATTLE

Selection:

15 Dan Cole 14 Elliott Spiers 13 Callum Harriott-Brown 12 Ezra Hinchliffe 11 Jake Haynes 10 Chris Johnson 9 Max Rowntree 1 Chris Moore 2 Alex McFadden 3 Josh Crickmay 4 Pete Hampshire 5 Seif Boussaada 6 Alex Patrick 7 Ben Stringer 8 Harvey Keighley-Payne 16 Joe Morrison 17 Josh Beck 18 Jack Pilcher

Scorers:

Jake Haynes, try x 1.  Chris Johnson, pens x 7.

Report:

It was a top of the table clash at North Dean when third place Alnwick visited, looking to end Heaths unbeaten run. Dan Cole made a welcome return to the side after a long time out with injury and Max Rowntree came in for the unavailable Sam Cox. The forwards saw Ben Stringer play his one hundredth game for the club while on the bench Joe Morrison returned from injury alongside Josh Beck and Jack Pilcher. Once again, a large crowd had gathered and conditions were perfect as the teams entered the field.

Alnwick kicked off playing towards the Stainland Road end and with both teams making early mistakes the game was stop start in the opening minutes until a break came on fifteen minutes. A scrum in the home side 22 saw Heath win ball and following some superb handling, it came out to Ezra Hinchliffe. The centre made a break, crossing the half-way line, before slipping a pass to flying winger Jake Haynes, who still had plenty to do, but his electric speed saw him evade several attempted tackles before scoring in the corner for an unconverted try, 5-0.

Alnwick responded, with scrum half Jimmy Blackett causing problems with some astute kicks and with Heath having problems at line outs Alnwick were awarded a penalty which Blackett converted, 5-3 on twenty minutes. Alnwick continued to go in search of adding to their score, keeping hold of the ball and exposing the Heath defence who gave away penalties and two further conversions from Blackett saw them lead 9-5 with thirty minutes on the clock.

Chris Moore was replaced by Jack Pilcher as the home side tried to claw their way back into the game and from a penalty Chris Johnson reduced the arrears 9-8 as the half time whistle sounded.

Heath were forced into some changes at the start of the second half with Alex McFadden replaced, due to a thigh injury, so Chris Moore returned with Jack Pilcher at hooker. Josh Beck also came on replacing Alex Patrick as the game started with Heath looking to improve on a disappointing first half performance and, when yet another penalty was awarded to Heath, Chris Johnson stepped up to convert and Heath led 11-9 with only two minutes played.

There was a period of even play as both teams went in search of adding to their tally but an ugly tackle on Josh Crickmay saw the prop stretchered off and the game went to un-contested scrums and Heath had to dig deep. Alex Patrick returned and Elliott Spiers made way for Joe Morrison as Heath re-grouped and from yet another penalty Chris Johnson converted to extend the lead 14-9. Heath were controlling the game and yet another penalty conversion from Johnson increased their lead 17-9.

It was a bruising battle with both sides fighting hard to add to their tally but with Alnwick struggling and giving away numerous penalties Johnson added yet another 20-9.

An injury to Harvey Keighley-Payne saw Elliott Spiers return and as Heath re-organised Alnwick took advantage.  Despite some heroic tackling from the home side, they were powerless to stop Alnwick scoring a converted try, 20-16.

It was a tense battle as the clock wound down but Chris Johnson had his kicking boots on adding two further penalties, 26-16, but when Seif Boussaada received a card, much to the amazement of all, Alnwick converted the penalty 26-19 to secure a losing bonus point. There was still time for Alnwick to snatch a try but Heath withstood the onslaught and were relieved to hear the final whistle.

It was a real battle of a game with both teams prepared to put their bodies on the line. Heath just about deserved the win to keep their unbeaten start to the season, as attention now turns to the visit of second placed Ilkley next week. It doesn’t get any easier and, as always, see you there!!!!!!!!   
 

League Results, here.

League Table, here.

Photography:

We had three good photographers with Heath, today.  Bev Clough, Andy Keighley & Andy Groves.  Bev and Andy K concentrated on the Firsts.  Andy G stayed with the Hawks, throughout.  Thanks go to all three for some fine shots.

More photos from Bev, here.

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