Another Bonus Points Win.

Selection:

Haigh, Hirst, Harrison, C.Keighley-Payne, Ward (c), Baxter, Starkey, Sharp, Rowntree, Hall, Cadogan, Thornton, Knight, Granger, Bruce. 

Subs: Watkinson & Ashton.

Scorers:

Tries: Cadogan (2), Bruce & Penalty Try.
Con: Hall

⭐️STAR PLAYER - Will Baxter⭐️

Report:

With a growing unavailability list through injury, work and festive activities Heath were missing 16 senior players.
So, it was with some trepidation they travelled to a much-improved Wetherby side.

The backline featured a majority that have all played 1sts in the last 6 months, and it showed from the start. The Hawks started well and from a well worked move from a scrum, Phil Cadogan popped up on the opposite side for a well worked try, Ben Hall converted (0-7). Cadogan doubled his tally shortly afterwards as the home side struggled to contain Heaths fast style of play, Matty Thornton and Sam Sharp timed passes perfectly for a try in the corner (0-12).

Harry Granger and Jack Bruce had half chances but no further scores were taken. The Hawks then brought pressure on themselves, spending the last 20 minutes of the half defending. Star player Will Baxter lead the way with some superb defence, ably supported by the pack, with Thornton and Elliot Knight hitting hard in the backs. This period of time showed the spirit the squad has developed this season as they refused to concede.

HT 0-12.

The Hawks needed to concentrate and control the game as Wetherby could not handle any sustained pressure. Set with the challenge of not conceding, Heath tightened up and started to roll forward again. Front rowers, Henry Hirst, Les Harrison, & Carter Haigh carried hard and put the Hawks on the front foot. Brook Ward controlled his forwards in a scrappy start, with Baxter turning over possession and Oli Starkey throwing his shoulders into everything. The same player took a knock and was replaced by Oisin Watkinson, who added great energy in both attack and defence. Carrick Keighley-Payne went rampaging forward and after a couple of phases, Bruce was on hand to glide over from close range (0-17).

The Hawks were now seeking the all-important bonus try, Thornton made excellent metres and Max Rowntree buzzed around as Wetherby looked tired. The same player pressured the kicker and charged it down, as he looked a certain scorer, he was man handled in back play and a penalty try was awarded (0-24).

With just under ten minutes remaining, Watkinson was replaced by Leon Ashton, Heath withstood the final bit of pressure to record a solid win.

FT 0-24.

🥳 4 try bonus 
😉 Clean sheet
🎅🏻 Xmas night out 
If Carlsberg did Saturdays................

Onward and upward now as the boys take a well-earned rest. As a multitude of players return in the new year Heath will look to go from strength to strength 

As well as powering on at the right end of the Championship table they will look to support the local teams with discussions ongoing around how we can raise the standards of rugby in Calderdale, joint coaching, players, loans, floodlit games, planning both short and longer term etc.

Heath feel that Calderdale rugby has never been as strong and want to play their part in cementing that going forward.

Photography:

All photos courtesy of Andy Keighley.