A Nail-biter - but U15s through to Semis.

Heath U15s reached the Yorkshire Plate semi finals, after a close run thing at a sunny West Vale. Whitby were the first to show, in this one, testing the Heath defence out wide. But the Heath boys were up for the encounter, putting some great tackles in and keeping attacks at bay. The forwards grew in confidence and there were some great runs by Cowgill, Sykes & Tandy with great support play by Kyle Hey. The U15s were playing some good rugby from the start. Heath then lost possession on half way and struggled to get their defence back and this allowed the Whitby winger to score, outwide, and take the lead - against the run of play. The conversion was missed but the visitors were 5 – 0 up. However, the Heath boys were not behind for long and from the restart their livewire winger, Callum Brown, was causing problems for the seasiders when he made a great run up the right touchline, before stepping inside to pass to Kyle Hey who raced between the posts for a great try con which was converted by Dom Moorhouse. 7 – 5 to the Heath lads. They were hitting top form now and after some great work by Sam Sharp Heath swept back up field for Jake Holmes to crash over, again outwide, for a fine try – converted by Moorhouse. Heath 14 – 5. They were on top now, with both forwards and backs working together. Wilkinson & Christopher were driving the ball up well and this allowed Heath’s man of the match, Moorhouse, to feed his backs. After good work by Jack Fox the U15’s “speed machine”, Callum Brown raced away for An excellent try again converted by Moorhouse, for a half time heath lead of 21 – 5. Heath started the second half and were soon on the back foot with the Whitby lads changing their tactics and keeping the ball in the forwards, so starving the Heath of possession. They pulled a converted try back, after some poor tackling by the backs, moving the score on to 21 – 12. Game on! Heath became sloppy in their execution and gave a penalty away in front of the posts. Their lead went down to 7 at 21 - 15. This contest looked to be slipping away - unless they could Heath could get some ball from the stronger Whitby pack. The Heath lads were dropping off tackles and the visitors were pushing the heath lads back. With the clock running down Whitby were throwing the ball round really well and they burst through some weak defence to take the lead with a converted try, at 21 - 22. With 3 mins left Heath needed some magic from somewhere. A knock on from the restart gave them good field position and they threw everything at Whitby. After several infringements from the visitors, heath were awarded a penalty about 20 meters out to the left of the posts. Dom Moorhouse placed the ball down and calmly struck it between the posts - for heath to snatch it back at the death. 24 - .22. Cue wild celebrations at the final whistle as Heath somehow pulled off a great victory to reach the Yorkshire shield semi finals.