A titanic battle from start to finish

This was expected to be a great test of two classy sides and the match fully lived up to expectation. Heath started off slowly and due to some indifferent tackling, Billingham went over for an easy try and added the extras for a 0 – 7 lead. This then spurred Heath into action and after a good scrum, a dart from Birkett and some fast hands from the backs, McKenzie ran a superb line and burst through the Billingham defence for a score which Hinchcliffe converted to draw level at 7-7. Foxton seemed to be everywhere and was carrying the ball from all parts. From a scrum in the Billingham half, the forwards again did their “stuff” and another superb move involving Hinchcliffe and Pollard doing a scissors move saw Pollard go over for another excellent score which again, Hinchcliffe converted for 14-7. Both sides were trying hard to break the other and this led to a very tense but enjoyable spectacle. The only areas where both sides were letting their guard down was due to over anxious missed tackles but generally the quality of play was of a very high standard. From some further pressure from Billingham, Heath were guilty of poor discipline and gave away a silly penalty, which Billingham took and scored 3 points to reduce the deficit to 14-10. From the kick off, which Hinchcliffe executed with pinpoint accuracy, Brambles knocked back the ball to Man of the Match, Porritt who ran through the opposition and scored. Unable to add the extras the score moved to 19-10. Davis was playing a superb game deputising at hooker but Heath again showed a lack of discipline and gave away another silly penalty which Billingham, from the resulting play scored a well worked try to bring the score to 19-17. The game certainly did not lack action and soon after, Heath were awarded a penalty on the Billingham 22 which Hinchcliffe marched forward for and slotted over the 3 points for 22-17. This resulted in Billingham showing ill discipline and they had a player sin binned just before the half time whistle. Soon after ½ time Heath seemed to be working well but then made several unforced errors and from one of these Billingham were awarded a penalty to bring the score to 22-20. From another excellent restart by Hinchliffe Heath secured the ball and saw a flowing move along the backline. Unfortunately, this ended with the ball being held up over the Billingham line and an injury to Crabtree. Billingham then continued to pound the Heath defence and gained another penalty that they converted for 22-23. During the next 10 minutes Heath continued to press but Billingham were holding fast but having been awarded another penalty, Hinchcliffe got the points to put Heath back in front 25-23. The nails were disappearing from the followers of both teams and there was no quarter being asked or given. The final few minutes seemed to take an age but Billingham once again, saw their backs produce a superb move that resulted in them scoring in the corner, which gave the lead back to the visitors at 25-28. Heath knew time was short and did manage to secure the ball again from the restart but unfortunately it was not to be and Billingham kicked the ball out and the referee blew time with the visitors gaining a memorable victory in what was a high quality match. The supporters of both these teams were treated to a fantastic match by two superb teams.