Good display - scoreline flatters Dinn'

RUGBY UNION - YORKSHIRE ONE DINNINGTON 33 vs HEATH 7 A young Heath team went to Dinnington determined to perform well against opposition currently ‘on a roll’ after a recruiting drive which has increased the level of experience in their squad. Dinnington kicked off on a cold sunny afternoon and within minutes Olly Cook was dumped heavily on his shoulder in an early exchange which epitomized the uncompromising tackling that was be a feature of the game from both teams. Dinnington ran strongly and their fly-half Jonny West timed his pass perfectly to Ollie Rodgers who scored near the posts after 7 minutes. West converted and Dinnington led by 7 – 0. Undeterred, Heath hit back through their threequarters and fullback Cameron Ramsden side-stepped to within metres of the posts before being stopped short. Heath were playing with real fire and made several attempts to score a try, with Darren Neilly prominent. Eventually, Heath scored a push-over try credited to Hamish Pratt which Ezra Hinchliffe converted to level the scores, 7 – 7 on 17 mins. After the re-start Chris Moore twinkle-toed along the touchline but soon Dinnington were on the charge. Then it was Alex Cust’s turn to show his pace for Heath. Dinnington looked powerful but the Heath players were tackling above their weight to contain them. However, Will Marshall found a way through for a try which West converted: 14 – 7 on 20 mins. Five minutes later, Rob Thackray was injured and replaced by Kofi Brobbey going on to the wing with Si Brown moving to centre to accommodate this. Peter Birkett, Stephen Hare and Pratt took play into the Dinnington 22m area but the home team cleared, only to concede a free kick from which Hinchliffe put Heath into a strong position near the corner flag. Dinnington ran the ball out of defence to threaten Heath’s tryline but Ramsden’s magnificent 45m clearance found touch near the half way line. The fast, open rugby from both teams thrilled the spectators. The stronger, heavier Dinnington players were being tackled superbly by the young Heath team and reliable touch-finding was aiding their cause. The first half ended, honours about even, though the home team were a converted try ahead at 14 – 7. For the second half, Dinnington brought on ‘journeyman’ John Dudley to replace John Stimpson. Dudley made an immediate, conspicuous impact storming 25 metres before being halted. Thereafter, he was subdued every time he touched the ball but his team were taking the play to Heath and it was 15 mins before Heath set foot in opposition territory. Then, the Heath backs ran the ball across the field with jinking runs from Josh Lister and a high kick downfield from Ramsden which he caught himself but the ball went loose. Ill-discipline from Dinnington resulted in a penalty coming within Hinchliffe’s range but his shot went wide. The home team worked their way to the Heath 22 but Birkett broke out to the half way line for Heath and Dinnington were caught offside. Hinchliffe advanced Heath to the home 22 on the hour but then Mark Puttick was yellow-carded for a persistent offence and loss of the captain marked a turning point in the game. Evergreen Roger Hammond came into the front row and Alex Cust had to leave the field after a Brobbey tackle had brought down West in full flight towards the Heath line. Finally, the continuous pressure from Dinnington began to put paid to Heath’s hopes. Ryan Donnelly scored an unconverted try on 71 minutes: 19 – 7. Heath got within kicking distance of Dinnington’s posts but elected to run the ball. Dinnington came scorching back and created an overlap but failed to use it. Next, Tom Doughty scored a try which West converted 3 mins before the end: 24 – 7. Then, to cap it all, Rob Levers scored a try and West converted yet again to finish 33 – 7 and obtain a bonus point. This was a champion game of rugby, played in good spirit by both sides, with the result flattering the home team. For 70 minutes, there was little to choose between the teams. Heath will take heart from today’s performance which would have beaten many opponents.