BLAYDON BATTLE BUT HEATH EMERGE WINNERS TO MAINTAIN TOP SPOT

Selection:

15 Dan Cole 14 Callum Harriott-Brown 13 Joe Morrison 12 Ezra Hinchliffe 11 Jake Haynes 10 Chris Johnson 9 Max Rowntree 1 Chris Moore 2 Alex McFadden 3 Jack Pilcher 4 Alex Patrick 5 Ben Stringer 6 Jonny Cole 7 Harvey Keighley-Payne 8 Tom Clough 16 Sam Fletcher 17 Seif Boussaada 18 Olly Cook

Scorers

Harvey Keighley-Payne 1 try Max Rowntree 1 try Jack Pilcher 1 try Dan Cole 1 try Seif Boussaada 1 try Sam Fletcher 1 try Chris Johnson 5 cons 1 pen

Report:

Heath travelled up to Newcastle to take on an in-form Blaydon team, looking to maintain their unbeaten run. It had been a month since the last time they played which had given time for players to recover from injuries, so it was a welcome return for captain Harvey Keighley-Payne. Joe Morrison came in at centre while on the bench Seif Boussaada returned alongside Sam Fletcher and Olly Cook.

Conditions were overcast but clear as players entered the arena with a large crowd expecting a tussle in this top four clash. The visitors kicked off with both teams testing each other out in the first ten minutes but it was Blaydon who began to probe the visitors defence and on thirteen minutes they crossed the line for a try, but the referee awarded a penalty to Heath for obstruction.  Blaydon continued to go in search of points and eventually scored a converted try on twenty minutes to lead 7-0.

Heath were struggling to get their game together, but eventually got on the scoresheet with a penalty from Chris Johnson, 7-3. This seemed to inspire them into action as they began to put the home side under pressure. Keeping possession of the ball, some astute kicking from Johnson and the forwards driving into the tackles, saw Blaydon struggling and it came as no surprise to see Harvey Keighley-Payne waltz over the line for a try in the corner, 8 -7 with thirty minutes on the clock. This score gave Heath much more confidence as the backs began to throw the ball around and Max Rowntree rounded off a superb move to cross the line for a try, converted by Johnson,15-7 with five minutes to half time.

On came Seif Boussaada and Olly Cook replacing Harvey Keighley-Payne and Chris Moore, but they had little time to get involved as the half time whistle sounded.

The second half began well for Blaydon as they came out all guns blazing and added an early penalty conversion,15-10. Shortly after, Joe Morrison had to come off with an injury, so Sam Fletcher came on and he was quickly involved in the action as Heath began to press.  But with Blaydon struggling in defence they astounded everyone with a break from their own 22, to score a try in the corner to level the tally at 15-15 with fifty minutes on the clock.

It was now anyone's game, as both sides continued to battle it out and tempers frayed in the battles, resulting in Jonny Cole and Blaydon's Olly Dynan receiving yellow cards for an off the ball altercation. The resulting penalty for Heath saw them enter the home side's half and they began to batter the Blaydon defence. From a line out, Ben Stringer secured ball and the drive was on. Tom Clough went close, but it was Jack Pilcher who smashed over for a try, converted by Chris Johnson and Heath led 22-5 on the hour mark.

Blaydon responded but Heath were prepared to put their bodies on the line and, despite some off the ball incidents, they kept their composure to survive the onslaught. An injury to a Blaydon player gave some respite to both teams and from the re-start Heath once again pressed.  From a line out Alex Patrick secured ball which then came out along the backs to Dan Cole, who crossed for a bonus point fourth try, again converted by Johnson, 29-15, and Heath were stretching their lead.

Jonny Cole remained on the bench as Harvey Keighley-Payne replaced him bringing Heath back up to full complement as they began to turn the screw and, after some superb handling, Seif Boussaada received the ball fifteen metres out and clattered his way over the line for another converted try 36-15.

It was all Heath as they went in search of adding to their tally. Jack Pilcher made way for Chris Moore and shortly afterwards, a great run from Ezra Hinchliffe opened up the home defence before he kicked through for Sam Fletcher to win the race for the ball to score in the corner. The conversion from Chris Johnson saw a score of 43-15 as the home side were chasing shadows with Heath playing some superb rugby.

However, following a yellow card for Harvey Keighley-Payne, Blaydon took heart and credit goes to them as they rallied, scoring a try in injury time, 43-20.  After opting not to go for the conversion, from the re-start they collected the ball and, despite the efforts of the Heath defence, secured a converted try bonus point with the last play of the match, for a final score of 43-27.

The game was a great battle with both sides fully committed, but it was Heath who emerged with the win to maintain League top spot and, with Harrogate losing at Alnwick, they extended the points gap to twelve points. Next up Penrith visit North Dean and as always see you there!!

League Results.  Here.

League Table,  Here.

Accompanying photos are courtesy Bev Clough.  More of her shots of the game can be found here, on her Facebook page

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