See-Saw match see Heath just miss out

Heath welcomed South Yorkshire rivals Doncaster Phoenix looking for a victory against a team lying third in the League and just missing out on promotion. Si Brown came in for the unavailable Jack Sheldrake and Darren Neilly took his place back on the bench after missing last week. Heath began well and played with confidence as the visitors struggled to find their feet and after 9 minutes Ezra Hinchliffe opened the Heath account with a converted penalty, 3-0. From the re-start Joe Shipman was injured as he climbed for the ball and Neilly came on. The visitors were gradually getting into the pace of the game and on 23 minutes the Heath defence was split wide open as centre Jonathan Storey went over for a try, converted by Ben Miller and Donny in front 7-3. Doncaster were now stringing together several moves and as Heath struggled to contain them gave away several penalties. However, when points were on offer the visitors went in search of tries. When Euen Miller and Alex Cust created a chance for Rob Thackray on 32 minutes Heath were gradually clawing their way back into the game and as Domonic Walsh released Matt Baxendale on 36 minutes Donny gave away a penalty but Hinchliffe’s attempt was just wide. Half time came with the sides pretty much even. Hamish Pratt came off for a revived Joe Shipman but his stint on the bench was short lived as Ian Downsborough came off on 43 minutes with a dead leg. Once again Heath were in control and Mark Puttick and Si Brown created a chance for Euen Miller on 44 minutes as the home side pressed for a try. Doncaster were struggling to contain a rampant Heath and when Ryan Hunter got line out ball Walsh released Shipman for a converted try and Heath in front 10-7 after 48 minutes. Heath were now playing with confidence and Hinchliffes kicking game was proving a thorn in the visitor’s side. Alex McFadden was introduced on 57 minutes for Cust and had an immediate impact but it was Doncaster who broke the deadlock on 64 minutes when wing Dan Greenslade went over in the corner for an unconverted try but Donny now in front 12-10. Downsborough came back on for Pratt and was quickly involved in releasing Miller, who was having an exceptional match, but he was hauled down just short of the line. Neilly and Chris Moore were powerful in the pack and it came as no surprise that Donny gave away a penalty on 67 minutes and Hinchliffe put Heath back in front 13-12 in what was now a see saw game. Phoenix came back and Greenslade went over on 70 minutes to re-take the lead 17-13.The final 10 minutes of the match were frantic and pleased a large crowd but a drop goal and a penalty by Ben Miller increased Doncaster’s lead to 23-13 who ran out winners. This was a good game to watch for spectators with both sides involved in end to end rugby. Heath now play their final match of the season away to Wath on Dearne next week and will be looking to end with a victory.