A must win game goes begging

A youthful-looking Heath side took to the field at North Dean looking to build on two league wins on the trot and they got off to a great start with a penalty after Cameron Ramsden was hit by a late tackle: 3 – 0 after 3 minutes. Bridlington came straight back at Heath but sterling defensive work from the home side eventually allowed Ramsden to clear after Brid dropped the ball and knocked on. Heath withstood continuous pressure but when Ezra Hinchliffe, Peter Birkett and Sam Pollard combined, Ryan Hunter was in support to go over for a try on 15 mins. A superb touchline conversion from Hinchliffe put Heath 10 – 0 up. Bridlington were not down and continued to battle for points. On 20 mins, after sustained pressure, the referee eventually lost patience and awarded Brid a penalty try which was converted to bring Brid back into the game at 10 – 7. Heath backs were trying to throw the ball about. On 25 mins, injury to Alex Cust brought Koffi Brobbey into the fray. On 30 mins a great kick from Hinchliffe, after good work from Ewan Miller and Stephen Hare, allowed Pollard to chase the ball down and Brid had to kick into touch to clear their lines. Ramsden was involved in the next foray as he released winger Matt Baxendale but, with Miller in support, he was tackled and the referee blew for holding on. As Brid stormed back Heath were on the rack and their cause was not helped when Olly Cook was adjudged to be off his feet in a maul and sin-binned within 5 mins of half time. Heath remained dogged in defence and when Darren Neilly got the ball Brid were penalised and from the penalty, Heath cleared their lines. Back came Brid and Heath were determined not to let them score. Hunter, Neilly and Johnson were prominent in defence but could not prevent Brid’s prop ‘TK’ going over in the corner. The conversion was missed but Brid were in front, 10 – 12, as the ref blew for half time. Heath had to re-group at half time and pick up momentum after losing their way for the 2nd quarter of the match. Cust came back on for Brobbey. The second half began with both teams fired up but on 43 mins Brid were awarded a penalty for holding on in the tackle and increased their lead to 10 – 15. It was proving costly, only having 14 men on the park, so Heath were pleased when Cook was allowed back on. With Neilly urging his players on and the crowd baying for improvement, Heath began to push. Ewan Miller, Pollard and Hinchliffe were outstanding in the backs and Mark Puttick, Hunter and Neilly equally strong in the forwards. On 53 mins, Brid were awarded yet another penalty but fortunately for Heath it was missed. On 57 mins, Baxendale and Cook were replaced by Josh Lister and Jock Edwards in the final throw of the dice by coach Kevin Plant. However, on the hour Brid went over for adisputed try in the corner to make it 10 -20 to them. Heath responded and two minutes later were awarded a penalty but Hinchliffe’s attempt was just wide. Heath continued to press, looking for points but dropping the ball at important times. Frustrations were building as the referee gave some decisions which they found questionable, but time was running out for Heath. Sustained pressure eventually paid dividends when Thackray went over for an unconverted try on 78 mins to make the score 15 – 20. Heath tried desperately to create another try but time ran out and Heath had to be content with a losing bonus point. Without a match next week the players will be looking to work hard and will be looking to get players back from injury before they take on Dinnington in two weeks time.