This was a brilliant performance by all involved against a good side

Selection:

Heron, Puttick, Whitworth, Shipman, Beasty, Barnes, Raby, Ward, Rowntree, Scrimshaw, Hinchliffe, Brown, Woollard, Sharp, Gianotti.
Subs: Haigh, Wadsworth & R.Cole.

Scorers:

Tries: Ward (3), Woollard (2) & Hincliffe.
Cons: Gianotti (2).

Report:

On a blustery but dry day, Heath arrived in Selby confident of building on their recent upturn in form. The pack was bolstered by the return of George Heron, Martyn Barnes, Joe Shipman, Carter Haigh and Jack Raby, with Matt Beasty getting valuable game time after suspension. Ian Downsborough pulled out in the warm up due to injury and Harry Woollard started in the centre as he continues his rugby union experience.

Both teams started at a frantic pace and it became apparent that the strong wind facing Heath would play a major role in the game. Against the run of play, Selby’s big centre collected a loose ball on the half way and swatted off a couple of defenders before scoring a converted try. The visitors hit back, keeping ball in hand and recycling well, Heath started to create chances. Woollard made a break only to see the final ball hit the deck. Heath finally opened their account from a catch and drive from twenty metres out, Mark Puttick controlled well at the back before man of the match Brook Ward emerged with the ball, Ben Gianotti converted. Barnes and Raby were causing havoc in attack and defence, with James Whitworth and Heron carrying well. After another forward drive to the line Ward scored his second to take the lead. Olly Scrimshaw and Si Brown organised well in midfield and the backs started to find gaps out wide, wingers Sam Sharp and Tobias Hinchliffe put clear by great handling. Hinchliffe received a well timed pass from Gianotti forty metres out, before setting off on a weaving run for a brilliant converted try. As time ticked down Heath launched a similar attack and were unlucky not to score as the referee overruled the excellent touch judge, deeming Hinchliffe in touch before the scoring pass. Half time 7-19.

Carter Haigh replaced Barnes in the back row. With the strong wind at their backs Heath started brightly, playing in the right areas. Woollard scored next, crashing through defenders to score under the posts. As Selby tried to repel the forward onslaught, Heath had to change tactic as the home side didn’t engage at the line outs. Max Rowntree sniped a couple of times  as defenders shot through trying to cut off his link. Shipman and Beasty organised well with Ward completing a well deserved hatrick, catching cleanly before being brought down, turning and storming over. Selby hit back with a well taken try, Barnes returned to the field for Whitworth. Heath replied immediately with Woollard cutting through to score his second. Rhys Wadsworth entered the field for Shipman. After the final score of the game by Selby, knocks were taking there toll as Brown, Woollard and Raby all took timeout with Richard Cole entering the field for the final stages. Cole kicked long to see out the game and Heath battled well in defence to repel some lively attacks. Full time 17-34.

This was a brilliant performance by all involved against a good side. The blend of youth and experience is developing into a formidable combination. UTH 👊