Two well-matched teams but Heath won out!

Heath Colts travelled down to Sheffield in very cold conditions and had to re-group before the kick off with Lewis Foxton being taken ill. This meant uncontested scrums with Kofi Brobby moving into the front row and Ezra Hinchcliffe moving onto the wing. Heath were having to contend with some very big opposition but managed to gain an early penalty which Crabtree converted. Heath had been advised by stand in coach Neville Sheldrake to ensure we didn’t waste any try scoring opportunities but, as in previous games, we were guilty of not using the obvious overlap on 3 occasions in the early exchanges. However, after this point was made again there was a superb flowing movement from one side of the pitch to the other which resulted in Coney-Critchley scoring a superb try. Unfortunately we did not manage to add the extras. Sheffield were using their large pack to good effect and Heath were guilty of not tackling low which allowed Sheffield to score a try and add the extras leading to a ½ time score of 7 – 8 to Sheffield. That said, there were some very big hits going in from some including Hare, Birkett, Davis and Hinchcliffe. Foxton asked to come on, even though still feeling unwell which allowed the scrums to be contested during the 2nd half. Heath were struggling to get their rhythm but after some good exchanges, there was another sweeping movement involving Jordan Moana who had a very good game, particularly in the loose, and he passed onto Coney-Critchley who scored another good try in the corner and moving the score onto 7 – 13. Sheffield again came back with some strong runs and aided by some slack attempts to tackle the hosts, Heath allowed them to score and they added the conversion which meant Heath were now behind 14 -13. However, Heath were showing excellent attitude and both forwards and backs clearly wanted the win badly. They were now pressing hard close to the Sheffield line and the hosts again were penalised. Birkett took a quick tap and dove over the line taking Sheffield players with him. Hinchliffe added the conversion to give the lead back to Heath 14 – 20. Heath were now going for another try but Sheffield were also looking for the same and the final 10 minutes were very tense but neither side could break the other down and the referee blew with the score remaining in Heaths favour. Heath had shown great commitment but we need to collectively get down to some hard training to eliminate basic errors and practise aspects such as tackling low. A good win though and now onto the next match with Malton and Norton.