Tight game

Selection:

Heron, Puttick, Whitworth, Beasty, Downsborough, Shipman, Dawes, Ward, Rowntree, Morrison, Granger, J.Cole, Bruce, Cadogan, Thomson.
Subs: Dance, Horner & James.

Scorers

Tries: Cadogan, Puttick & Shipman.
Con: Thomson

MOM: ⭐️JOE SHIPMAN⭐️

Report:

Heath’s 7 game unbeaten run came to an end in a high quality contest in Leeds.

The visitors started brightly, retaining possession well, lead by strong running Brook Ward, Ian Downsborough and James Whitworth. Max Rowntree exploited a weak blind side defence before feeding Phil Cadogan who turned the last defenders inside out before diving over.

Heath invited the home side back into the game with penalties, handling errors and loose kicks which were returned with interest and put pressure on the team. A long looping pass put the winger over for a converted try. Heath hit back, from a catch and drive, Matt Beasty directed the maul over the line for Mark Puttick to emerge with the ball for a great forwards' try.

Both sides went in search of the next score, Jonny Cole leading the midfield attack and defence. It was Town who found space out wide to score a converted try. Sam Horner replaced Max Dawes in the backrow. Half time 14-10.

Heath needed to tighten up and improve their kicking game. Richard Dance replaced Whitworth.

Joe Morrison responded well by making a 50-metre break, exchanging passes with Cadogan as the defence scrambled back. In the next attack a long wayward pass was picked off by the home sides winger who ran clear to score under the posts.

Harry Granger and Jack Bruce attacked well down the left-hand side but Heath were repelled by the intelligent kicking game of the home 10. Rowntree received a yellow card for a high tackle. Heath hit back during this period, Dance, Downsborough and Puttick went close before Granger popped the ball up to Shipman who went low and hard at the line, Zak Thomson converted.

Only four points separated the teams and the only other points recorded was a penalty goal for Moortown. Heath continued to push for a score but to no avail. Full time 24-17.

This was a great game between two of the best sides in the Championship. With three games remaining, Heath remain positive of claiming the title. With a week off next week, returning players will swell the ranks for the final push. UTH 👊

Rest of day's results, here.

Championship Table, here.

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