Change of fixture brings an excellent, high-scoring win.

Heath 2nds entertained Pontefract 3rds at West Vale, in a friendly fixture, following Bradford and Bingleys withdrawal mid week in the merit league. A 25 - 0 score was created and 5pts gifted, meaning Heath went second in the league without kicking a ball. The plan for this fixture, however, was to get back to winning ways after last weeks unlucky defeat to Old Otliensians. This week saw the return of winning talisman and captain Paddy Kerr, and the continuance of his wearing of Gaz Owens lucky underpants, which up to this point had brought 5 wins from 5. Added to this, his visionary leadership and ruthless determination meant the 2nds were 10pts ahead before kick off! Pontefract came in good spirit and with high hopes having mustered several good results themselves in the previous weeks. Heath on this occasion though were exemplary in the attack, resolute in defence and despite a gallant effort from the visitors right to the final minute put in an excellent shift to score 69 with no return. Ponte were all at sea as Heath relentlessly took them apart in the first half, racking up the quickest bonus point of this season (had this been a merit game) after just 36 minutes. By full time Mick Gleeson (4), Matt Cook (2), Olly Cook (2), Andy White (1), Dick Armstrong (1) and Martyn Barnes (1) had all touched down to seal the teams biggest win and return all season. Gleeson added a further 7 conversions, meaning he kicked more points in one game than Dan Ingham scored all last season (Dan now match day manager and assistant to the Head coach at Old Rishworthians) The only negative on the day was the unfortunate crowd trouble during the second half when play was stopped by the referee following an incident involving touch judge Sid Hines and the apparent mating intentions of club president Dave Bradleys’ Rhodesian Ridgeback. With the assistance of several players, the dog was removed from Sids leg and the game continued. Overall a great performance, with Cameron Ramsden and Joe Cox leading by example, Martyn Barnes showing great spirit in defence and attack and substitute Phil Graves showing why he leaves them for dead at Elland. Also notable, were Mick Dodd, Nick Szadby and Steve Richardson who continue to improve and perform both in attack and in set pieces. MOTM – Gaz Owen (forwards), Mick Gleeson (backs), Moorhouse brewery Player of the month – Gaz Owen (although for legal reasons we must point out Emlyn James has played every game this season for the whole 80 minutes, and very well and is very committed and we do need him to play every week and we would be half the team without him)