Brilliant way to end the year!

Heath travelled to high-flying Driffield looking to avoid a heavy defeat by a team that had scored over 140 points in the previous three games. Coach Kevin Plant rang the changes with the experienced Giles Hetherington moving to fullback, Charlie Lomas moving up to scrumhalf and Ezra Hinchliffe to standoff.

Heath kicked off and had the perfect start when Chris Moore was tackled high and Charlie Lomas converted the resultant penalty to put Heath ahead at 0 - 3 after 2 minutes. The visitors kept up the pressure and took on the home pack with success, as Moore charged over for a try on 5 minutes which Lomas converted to get Heath off to a brilliant start at 0 - 10 and silence the home crowd on the balcony. The combination of Lomas and Hinchcliffe was working well for the backs and in the forwards front row Moore, Mark Puttick and Jamie Watson were excellent and took play to the hosts. Then, after 10 minutes, Driffield were caught offside and Lomas increased the Heath lead to 0 - 13. The League Leaders simply could not get going, as Heath continued to harass in defence.

Driffield's first real attack came after 15 minutes but Sam Pollard was on hand to tackle wing Murray into touch and Heath cleared their lines. Driffield continued to press and Watson was penalised for what was adjudged an illegal tackle but Driffield declined the opportunity to get on the scoreboard with a pot at goal. Heath continued to be put under pressure but held firm with Hetherington, Pollard and Montgomery conspicuous in the mix. On 33 minutes Heath were awarded a long distance penalty, but Lomas' attempt fell just short. Driffield eventually opened their account on 35 minutes with a penalty after backrower Oliver Wilby was judged to have not rolled away in the tackle: 3 - 13.

As half time approached, Heath continued to dominate with the scrum magnificent as Driffield gave away another penalty for Lomas to convert to make the score 3 - 16.

Up to half time Heath were commanding the game. Driffield came out of the blocks flying for the start of the second half. Heath defended well but after 45 minutes an injury to Moore saw Dom Walsh come into the match and a shuffle take place in the pack. Whenever Driffield got a penalty they chose to find touch, preferring to look for tries as opposed to points. After Moore came back on there was a reshuffle and this time young winger Brobbey replaced. Then more sustained pressure from the home side saw Harding score an unconverted try to move the score on to 8 - 16.

Back came Heath with a vengeance and a great charge-down by Wilby allowed Pollard to pick up and make a scintillating run and only a desperate ankle-tap, just short of the line, denied him a try. Driffield stormed back as the game went from end to end. Ian Downsborough was sin-binned on 55 minutes for handling in a ruck and Heath were then up against it. They turned defence into attack in one swift movement with Walsh, Pollard and Hetherington combining well to run the full length of the field only for the ball to run dead after Hetherington put a kick through.

Driffield were very fortunate to get away with a penalty; then their number 7, Wright ran half the length of the field to score. The try was not converted so with the tally 13 - 16 and only 10 minutes to go the atmosphere was tense! Heath continued to defend well and with 5 minutes left they began to pile the pressure on Driffield. Daniel Ramsden, Downsborough and Montgomery made superb runs and when Hinchcliffe got the ball out wide he put in a magnificent, towering cross-field kick which Hetherington chased and caught beautifully to beat the remaining defender and run round to score between the posts. Lomas converted and Heath led by 13 - 23.

The conditions were, by now dark and gloomy with rain just starting to arrive, but Heath shone bright and worked hard to stay on top. That said, Driffield came back to score one last try, through captain Wright, which his fullback converted on the final whistle to give a final result of 20 - 23 in Heath's favour.

This was a magnificent victory and return to form for the visitors which allowed their tormentors of the previous week, Huddersfield YMCA, to edge the home side out of the coveted top spot in the league!