Forward power leads the way.

Selection:

Johnson, Puttick, Cook, Dance, Shipman, Dawes, Wilkinson, Downsborough, Rowntree, Cole, Thomson, Webb, Ellam, Granger, Cadogen,

Subs: Heron, Ward, Haigh, Whitworth, & Horner.

Scorers:
Tries: Rowntree (2), Haigh (2), Cook, & Johnson.
Cons: Cole (2) & Ellam (2).

Report:

Heath looked to continue their recent good form against renowned tricky opponents. With scrums uncontested from the start, Heath’s monstrous pack needed to focus their power in other areas. After a scrappy start with both teams struggling to retain possession, it would be the team who settled the quicker who would get on top. The home side started to make inroads, with big drives from Rondene Johnson, Richard Dance and forward player of the match, Oliver Cook. Ian Downsborough went close before Max Rowntree went fast and hard at the line from close range, Cole converted.

After more pressure and good runs from captain Joe Shipman, Matthew Wilkinson and Max Dawes, Rowntree spotted a gap to record his second converted try. Morley hit straight back after a mix up from the restart to record their only points. Undeterred, Heath went searching for further scores, replacements Brook Ward, George Heron and Carter Haigh adding energy and power. Centres Gaz Webb and Dom Ellam were getting more ball and punching holes in the midfield. When the home teams juggernaut pack was held short, Cook crashed over for a deserved score. Half time 19-7.

With more control it was clear that Heath could and probably should pull clear of their opponents. Ellam, now at ten, took the direct route and punched holes in the defence. More forward power was converted by a rampaging Johnson who was unstoppable, Ellam converted. The returning James Whitworth had a number of good runs from the left wing, with new recruit Zak Thomson, having more influence on the game from centre, scampering forty metres to set up a great position.

Haigh scored two great tries, smashing his way over from close range, with one conversion added. The elusive Harry Granger and Phil Cadogen made breaks from loose kicks and Mark Puttick made a number of telling hits in the middle. Young Sam Horner continues to impress in his first year of senior rugby, carrying hard and hitting well in defence. As Morley’s injuries took their toll, sensibly the game was brought to an end.

Another fine performance against a young and enthusiastic opposition. Keighley away next Saturday, a tough place to go but Heath are in good form and will travel confident of taking the points. UTH 👊