HEATH TAME THE TIGERS TO SECURE FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON

Selection:    

Chris Moore    Alex Mc Fadden    Dan Smith    Alex Patrick    Dillon North    Ben Stringer    Harvey K-Payne    Tom Stansfield

Sam Cox    Chris Johnson    Jake Haynes    Ezra Hinchliffe    Harry Harrison    Callum H-Brown    Cliff Howard   

Jonny Cole    Josh Buller    Seif Boussaada    Zac Baker    Elliott Spiers 

Scorers

Dan Smith, try.  Jake Haynes, try.  Callum H Brown, try. Cliff Howard.

Chris Johnson, conv's 3.

Scoring Timeline

per England RFU site, here.

Video Link

Awaited

Match Report

Heath travelled down to South Yorkshire to take on Sheffield Tigers, looking to obtain a first win of the season. Coach Chris Johnson made several changes to the pack, giving a start to Dan Smith, bringing in Alex Patrick, who returned to the club on loan after signing for Sheffield in the summer and Dillon North. The backs also saw the recall of Sam Cox for the injured Tom Egan. 

Bright sunshine greeted the teams as Heath kicked off, playing against a strong breeze and it was Heath who put early pressure on the home defence. However, the Tigers defended well and cleared their lines using the wind to their advantage. It was Heath's turn to be put under pressure, but there was a different attitude from the team and strong runs from Ben Stringer and Tom Stansfield saw Heath break free. The ball came out to Jake Haynes, but the flying winger was bundled into touch by a scrambling Tigers defence. However, Heath continued to press and some slick handling along the backs saw Callum Harriott-Brown slip the ball to Jake Haynes and the wingman touched down in the corner, 5-0 with twelve minutes played.

The home team tried to respond, but it was a different Heath to previous games and there were some big hits to ensure the try-line was not initially breached. However, Tigers continued to keep possession and managed to score a converted try, 7-5 and they kept the pressure on the visitors defence - extending their lead with a penalty conversion 10-5, with thirty minutes on the clock.

Josh Buller came on for Chris Moore and an injury to Ben Stringer saw Jonny Cole enter the arena as Heath mounted an attack as half time approached. Superb yardage was made by Cliff Howard and Harry Harrison and, when Alex Patrick was held short of the try-line, Josh Buller was on hand to crash over for a try, converted by Johnson and Heath led 12-10 as the half time whistle sounded. 

It had been a much improved half from Heath and they just about deserved their lead as the teams began the second half.

Heath were now using the wind advantage, with some astute kicks from Chris Johnson putting the home defence under pressure and Jake Haynes went close for a try. Zac Baker replaced Sam Cox, as Heath continued to press and with fifty minutes played, line out ball was secured and the drive was on towards the Tigers try-line.  But the official judged the ball to be held up.

Heath were playing some slick rugby and when Tigers had a player carded they took advantage.  In the next attack some superb handling from the Heath backs saw Callum Harriott-Brown finish off a sharp move with a try in the corner. Chris Johnson added the extras and Heath led 19-10 with fifty-two minutes played.

Saif Boussaada and Chris Moore replaced Dan Smith and Dillon North as Heath continued to hold the upper hand.  With Heath on the attack, yet again, a planned move from a scrum saw the ball came out to Ezra Hinchliffe, who linked up with Callum Harriott-Brown who, in turn, slipped the ball to Cliff Howard and the full back crashed over the line for a bonus point try, converted by Johnson, 26-10, with fifteen minutes to play.

Elliott Spiers came on for Jonny Cole, as Heath tried to keep a grip on the game, but, with Tigers back to full strength, they mounted an attack -  scoring a converted try on seventy minutes, 26-17.  They then continued to press and were rewarded with another converted try 26-24, with minutes left to play.

Tigers went in search of another score but some desperate defending from Heath saw them awarded a penalty which proved to be the last play of the game and Heath had held out for the win.

It was a magnificent team effort from Heath, with the players putting their bodies on the line to hold out for a first victory of the season in the National League. The win sees them move up to seventh place as preparations begin for the visit of high-flying Darlington Mowden, next Saturday. As always see you there!!!  

England RFU SITE

League Results

Here.

League Table

Here

Photography

Bev Clough, more photos on Facebook, here.  John Baker & Dave Garf '.