Another loss puts Heath at bottom of League.

Ian Rushworth, of the Hx Courier, came along to watch and report on the game. Here's what he says: http://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/sport/more-sport/heath-lose-basement-battle-1-8145462 As usual our own Thomas Stanley Walton was taking notes, so, here's his take on the encounter: Due to a series of injuries Heath had to make several changes to the side as they entertained bottom club Yarnbury, in what was a must win game for both clubs. Back from holiday was influential centre Ezra Hinchliffe and alongside him was Jack Sheldrake, who returned from injury at the end of last season. Also in the line up was Tobias Hinchliffe on the wing for injured Si Brown and in the pack Howard Hanks returned for Ian Downsborough, broken arm. Josh White is now out for the season with a fractured ankle. Heath began the first half somewhat nervously and gave away a series of penalties which, along with slack defending, let Yarnbury in for a try and after 8 minutes Heath found themselves 10-0 down. A run from Ezra Hinchliffe lifted spirits and then Dom Walsh, Jordan Bradbrook and Sheldrake linked well to create a penalty for Hinchliffe to convert and get Heath back in the game 10 - 3 on 16 minutes. Heath were gaining in confidence and a clever kick from Bradbrook released Jack Sheldrake which, followed by a strong run from winger Alfie Blackhall, seemed to get Heath into the groove as Yarnbury struggled to cope. However, Heath could not improve on the scoreline and when a clearance from the Yarnbury full back bounced kindly for their on-rushing winger, he went on to score a converted try under the posts to lead 17- 3 on 23 minutes, much against the run of play. This seemed to sum up Heaths season so far, though they responded well and when Matt Beasty won a lineout on the Yarnbury touchline a rolling maul enabled Ben Maxwell to score a try, converted by Hinchliffe and Heath were back in the game 17-10 on the half hour. Heath's pack led by Richard Brown were dominant and in full control. Yarnbury had no answer to them, then, with a Yarnbury player in the sin bin for continually infringing, Brown crossed over for another try to get the home side back on track 15-17 on 35 minutes. Chris Piper and Dominic Horn came on for Beasty and Chris Moore. Heath continued to attack and Yarnbury gave away a penalty in front of the posts for Heath to take a deserved lead 18-17 as half time came. A much improved half from Heath after a shaky start. The second half began with Heath continuing to put the Yarnbury defence under pressure with Brown dictating play and Chris Piper and Alex Mc Fadden strong. A series of penalties could, and perhaps should, have resulted in a penalty try being awarded but Yarnbury stood firm and were let off by the referee. Lewis Barrett came on for Tobias Hinchliffe on 50 minutes to continue the onslaught on the Yarnbury defence but, despite the home sides efforts, they could not find a way through. Bradbrook was sin binned on 58 minutes so Heath were a man down but they continued to press. Though, when Yarnbury counter attacked on 67 minutes they went over for an unconverted try to re-take the lead 22-18. This was quickly followed with a try on 72 minutes after loose ball was pounced on and the visitors then led 27-18. Back into the fray came Matt Beasty and Chris Moore replacing Maxwell and McFadden as Heath looked for an immediate response. Yarnbury ,under the cosh once again, gave away a series of penalties which saw another player sin binned and no penalty try awarded. From another Heath lineout Richard Brown went close before Fergus Marsden popped up and scored a try, converted by Ezra Hinchliffe, to get Heath back in the game 25-27 with a couple of minutes remaining. However, the clock was against them and Yarnbury clung on for a first win of the season with Heath having to settle for a losing bonus point. Another disappointing loss for Heath which puts them bottom of the pile but they will be hoping for a change in fortunes when they travel up to the north east to take on Acklam next week.