WEATHER DOESN'T DAMPEN RUGBY SPIRIT

Heath RUFC 48 v Old Rishworthians RUFC 0 Charles Dickens opened his dramatic novel A Tale of Two Cities with the line "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" and indeed this game was A Tale of Two Halves, however there were no worst of times at an Autumnal West Vale on Saturday – just the very best in Rugby Fare from two teams who showed honest endeavour throughout. Heath lent a depleted Old Rishworthian Team 3 players to ensure both teams had a full compliment and referee Mr Rackstraw blew his whistle to get the game underway just after 2.15. Heath were very quickly on the offensive and it was no surprise when evergreen GLEESON went in for the opening try, handing off his fellow Heath player OWEN who was guesting for the opposition. The conversion was missed, however this early score gave Heath confidence and it wasn't long after JAMES went in for the first of his two tries storming in after a well-controlled rolling maul. Conversion missed again, however once again the Heath players attacked up field and the centre partnership of MALIK and WEBB, who impressed throughout, linked well to send WEBB in just to the side of the posts. A rare conversion was popped over by Cartwright and at 17-0 after 17 minutes the hardy spectators hiding under umbrellas were cock a hoop, the roar, I am told, was heard as far as the Rishies ground at Copley. However, The Rishies determined players were spurred into action and were unlucky not to score after a period of sustained pressure. All the players belied the conditions and end to end Rugby was the name of the game which ended with some slick passing from KERR to send the ever dangerous CARTWRIGHT capering into the corner to touchdown. Conversion missed it was now time for COOK to take centre stage, his first try was raw power, the like of which not seen at West Vale since the halcyon days of IAN BALDWIN, the second a run from 10 metres ending with an 'Aston like splash down' which may incur the wrath next week of prowling coach BAXTER - who is of the more traditional 'Touch Down not Dive down' school of Rugby. Only one of the tries converted which meant the half time oranges tasted sweeter for Heath with 34 points on the board. Rishies coach WICKHAM, a prop pf great renown in his day, gathered his troops for a Gladiator type half time talk and it worked wonders as they came out of the traps like greyhounds. A 'Barbarian' period of play ensued and both teams deserve credit for keeping the spectators entertained, indeed Dave Wright was seen rising out of his seat in the stand to applaud one particular piece of play. Heath though had the final say with the Rishies lads tiring it was JAMES and WEBB who both scored late tries their second of the day to complete the scoring at 48-0. Mr Rackstraw, who refereed the game throughout in the right spirit blew his whistle for no side. All involved in today's game deserve great credit and earned their stew and dumplings served up by Master Chef Margaret Aston - a local derby played and ‘reffed’ in the right spirit!