Fantastic contest and an excellent preparation for first League game.

Selection:

Kerr, McFadden, Heron, James, Burbidge, Wilkinson, Coates, Ward, Rowntree, Hall, Hinchliffe, Brown, Greenwood, Bruce, Stevens.

Subs: Thornton, Gianotti, Griffiths, Traviss, Milner, & R.Cole.

Scorers:

Tries: Wilkinson (2), Ward & Griffiths.
Cons: Thornton & R.Cole

Heath 2’s warmed up for their first league game with a frantic contest against a well drilled Ilkley team. Heath welcomed back Alex McFadden after injury and gave a debut to new signing Gareth Hall.

Injuries dominated the start of the match with Ben Fairbank dropping out in the warm up and Si Brown sidelined early on with a serious hamstring injury, Jack Thornton replaced him.

Ilkley pressed hard and scored two early tries for a 0-12 score line. Heath were panicking and rushing at this stage, which suited the visitors as they capitalised on mistakes and mistimed plays. Undeterred, Heath got a grip on the game and dominated the middle part of the half. Heath lost the talented Harry Stevens to a serious looking knee injury, with fellow colt product Ben Gianotti replacing him at fullback. The outstanding back row of Matthew Wilkinson, Andrew Coates, and Brook Ward were everywhere, turning over ball and making yards. Centres Jack Bruce and Danny Greenwood were finding space off Hall’s excellent hands and sustained pressure resulted in Wilkinson emerging with a try from close range. Heath continued to push forward with Emlyn ‘The Enforcer’ James, McFadden and George Heron carrying well and setting up the position for Ward to score, converted by Thornton. Right on halftime Ilkley’s lively scrum half spotted a mismatch to regain a 7 point lead, 12-19 at half time.

Adam Milner replaced James who had put in an excellent shift. The second half started well with Heath looking the most likely to score the next points. Good kicks in behind by Hall caused confusion with Tobias Hinchliffe and Oli Burbidge benefitting and pushing closer to the line. Another injury, this time to the unfortunate Max Rowntree, Richard Cole entered the fray. Wilkinson grabbed his second try from close range, Cole missed a relatively easy conversion. Paddy Kerr continued to dominate up front and Gianotti collected a number of difficult kicks and returned them with interest. Ilkley’s powerful winger scored from half way line, brushing past a number of tired attempted tackles, converted for a 9 point lead. Undeterred heath regathered and Cole kicked into good positions. Lineouts continued to function well and sub Owain Griffiths pressured the opposition 10, stripping the ball to crash over, Cole converted. With time ticking down, Ilkley completed the scoring with their impressive centre powering through and scoring a well deserved converted try.

This was a great advert for second team rugby with both sides showing what they capable of and taking away a lot of positives. Speedy recovery to the injured players. Next week the 2’s travel to Keighley to open their league campaign.