First Half loses the Game.

Heath 2nd xv entertained Ripon 2nd xv on an overcast but warm afternoon at West Vale.

The first 10 minutes were very entertaining with both sides showing their intent to throw the ball about and play open rugby. However, at this point, Ripon gradually took control with a mobile, strong pack and quick back line.

As the game progressed, it looked a matter of time only before Ripon would open their account but a lot of credit must go to the Heath defence which was very solid and committed. However, after 35 minutes, the pressure told and Ripon took the lead with a converted try by one of the forwards. 0 – 7.

Ripon came straight back on the offensive from the kick off and after 39 minutes, an overlap was created on their left and the centre ran under the posts for another converted try. 0 – 14. Referee Mike Dickinson blew the whistle for ‘No side’ and Heath had it all to do in the 2nd half.

From the restart, Heath was on the front foot and they camped in the Ripon ‘22’. A couple of penalties were conceded by the visitors and from the second, scrum half, Richard Cole, took a quick tap and forced his way over from 5 metres for a try converted by himself. 7 – 14.

Play was even for the next 10 minutes but Ripon then extended their lead with a try by the forwards from a 5 metres attacking lineout.  The conversion was missed. 7 – 19.

However, the home side continued to look more dangerous when coming forward and, after 66 minutes, they reduced the deficit with an excellent team try. Wing forward, Matthew Wilkinson started the move with an excellent run out of his own half deep into Ripon territory. When tackled the ball was recycled and after a couple of drives from the forwards, the ball was thrown down the line where centre, Cameron Ramsden, made a good break before offloading to the supporting Matthew Wilkinson who finished off in style. Richard Cole converted and it was game on. 14 – 19.

Heath got the upperhand over their opposition for the first time in the game and after 70 minutes, Cameron Ramsden used his speed and strength to score a try besides the posts which was converted by Richard Cole. 21 – 19 and Heath had taken the lead for the first time in the game.

It was all to play for now in the last 10 minutes and both sides continued to play open rugby. Unfortunately, with 5 minutes remaining, Ripon was awarded a kickable penalty which was converted. 21 – 22.

Heath got back into the Ripon half but from a kick deep into the Heath half by the Ripon fly half, the ball was spilled and after winning the ball from the resulting scrum, Ripon kept hold of the ball and, eventually an overlap was created on their right with the right winger crossing for a converted try. 21 – 29. There was a minute for Heath to try and get a score to gain a losing bonus point but it was not to be.

Final score: Heath 2nd xv 21 v 29 Ripon 2nd xv

This was a very entertaining game in which the Heath lads will feel that a lacklustre first half performance cost them dearly. That said, full credit must be given to them for a much – improved second half display which could easily have led to a victory.