Another win on the road to the League

Selection:

Heron, Puttick, Whitworth, Shipman, Downsborough, Dawes, Horner, Ward, Cole, Hallett, Wilkinson, Thomson, Bruce, Sutcliffe, Granger.
Subs: Burbidge & James.

Scorers

Tries: Heron, Hallett, Shipman, Burbidge, Bruce, Thomson, & Granger.
Cons: Thomson (3)

MOM: ⭐️ Zak Thomson ⭐️

Report

Heath travelled to Morley with a much changed team, determined to win well and enjoy their bus trip.

The visitors started slowly as Morley’s robust back row punched holes in Heath’s defence. Morley couldn’t turn the pressure into points and struggled to control the ball. From a lineout 10 metres out, Heath forwards controlled well, Ian Downsborough, George Heron and Joe Shipman went close before Heron went again from close range to crash over, Zak Thomson converted. The returning Matt Hallett was causing problems with his elusive running, scoring the next try, spotting a gap and racing away for a great converted try. Morley tried to get back in the game but a combination of good defence and poor decision making coughed up possession.

Man of the Match Thomson received the ball from Richard Cole on his own line before setting off on a lung busting run, combining pace and power to cover 80 metres. However, the final pass to Ben ‘The Physio’ Sutcliffe was adjudged to have gone forward.

Oliver Burbidge replaced Cole and was involved immediately, carrying well and on hand to pick and dot down Heath’s third converted try. Heath’s forward domination continued, finishing the half with a powerful catch and drive, with captain Joe Shipman emerging with the ball under a pile of bodies.

Half time 0-26.

Heath had secured the try bonus point and amassed a good lead but as a squad it had been a below par performance compared to previous weeks. Emlyn James replaced Shipman.

James carried hard and added real punch in attack, with Mark Puttick as abrasive as ever. The back row of Brook Ward, Max Dawes and Sam Horner continued their high tempo approach, always available to carry and defending superbly. Morley scored a converted try from close range. Undeterred, Heath hit straight back, Thomson and Sutcliffe went hard at the line before the ball was tipped up to Jack Bruce who recorded his 22nd try of the season.

Morley responded with another try and were asking more questions of the defence. Makeshift wingers, Matthew Wilkinson and James Whitworth both had great runs and were unlucky not to add to the score. Thomson spotted a gap 30 metres out before rounding the fullback for a great score. Hallett made another great break before popping up the pass for the supporting Harry Granger to dive over. Penalties and Morley possession dominated the closing minutes of the game but determined defence lead by Wilkinson, Thomson, Ward and Hallett repelled all attempts to score.

Full time 12-41.

Another great victory, scoring some superb tries. It shows how far this team has come when they aren’t pleased with parts of their performance in what was a convincing win. Heath welcome Old Rishworthians next Saturday in their last home league game of the season.

UTH 👊