Heath power to victory over Yorkshire Champions.

Heath U17s excelled against a strong Sheffield side to progress to the top of the highly regarded North One Division. They started the game with good intention, pressing the travelling side back into their own half and showing strength around the fringes to win solid ball possession. With centres Ezra Hinchliffe and Jack Sheldrake consistently running hard and threatening lines, Heath’s attack looked ominous. However, despite starting on the front foot, it was Yorkshire Champions Sheffield who were first to score, with the opposition winning Heath’s scrum against the head, and sparking a quick counter attack. Consequently, swift hands down the Sheffield backline resulted in their pacey fullback skipping through numerous tackles to race over in the corner for a converted try. Heath 0-7 down. Heath replied impressively, and slick hands in the backs allowed inside centre Hinchliffe to find the slightest gap in the Sheffield defence, through which he superbly jinked his way around several tackles to crash over the Sheffield line. An excellent touchline conversion from fly half Sam Pollard levelled the scores at 7-7. From the restart, Heath’s forwards showed their power and dynamism, and burly work from, in particular, prop Tom Kilner, and back rowers George Smith and Stephen Hare, once again allowed the backs to be released, this time outside centre Sheldrake crashing his way through to score under the posts. With Pollard once again converting, Heath took a 14-7 lead. Despite Sheffield kicking a penalty before the break, the game reached half time with the home side 14-10 up. Both tactical and forced substitutions did not stop Heath’s attacking threat, with man of the match Hinchliffe continuing to surpass the Sheffield defence, who importantly was consistently supported by Heath’s menacing back three, particularly fullback Will Tolley who was inches away from yet another crucial try. The hard work of the forwards, however, could not be forgotten, and this power eventually told, with flanker George Smith driving over for his first try for the club. Yet another Pollard conversion, and then a penalty, left the score 24-10 to Heath. Credit had to be given to Sheffield who never gave up, and managed to maul over for a try in what turned out a fiery final few minutes to the game. The final attacks from Sheffield also allowed Heath to prove their worth in defence, with the hits flying in right through from first to last minute, notably from big second row Fergus Marsden. The final whistle blew to the elation of Heath and coach Hetherington, a final score of 24-15. Hopefully the side will continue to progress in the same manner and in doing so persist to hold their own in an extremely tough division.