Off to the Hills

Heath 2nd xv went on their travels for their fifth successive away game at Wheatley Hills in a Merit Table game. As last week, the weather conditions were very good----the game being played on a cool but sunny, wind-free day on a reasonably firm pitch. Wheatley Hills kicked off playing up the very slight slope. The ball was immediately returned with interest by outside half, Tom OWEN, and this set up a good two minutes of excellent ball retention by the Heath forwards in the ' Hills' half. However, when possession was lost, 'Hills' made their way all the way upfield with some very good play between forwards and backs. The ball was moved quickly from left to right where the prop plunged over the line from 7 metres out. The conversion was missed but 0-5 after 3 ½ minutes was not the ideal start. Heath came back into the game on 8 minutes when the ball went loose on the right some 30 metres from the ' Hills ' line and second row, Michael STEAD, kicked the ball into the 'in goal' area where right winger, Martin BARNES, won the foot chase to dive on the ball for a try which was excellently converted from wide out by Tom OWEN. 7-5. ' Hills' put out a very experienced side and they were strong running throughout the team. However, the Heath defence was solid with some very good tackling having to be made. A good example of the Heath play was shown when the home side won a penalty some 25 metres out from the Heath line. They opted for the scrum which the Heath boys managed to turn beyond 90 degrees and from the resulting scrum, number 8 Dean COTTON took the ball forward and it was then sent back to full back, Colin HEWISON, who made touch beyond halfway. This was a typical example of the effort and endeavour being shown by the away side. 'Hills' continued to run the ball but an excellent double tackle by scrum half, Gareth OWEN and Colin HEWISON stopped a certain try on the Heath line and the ball was subsequently cleared by Dean COTTON who kicked the ball some 40 metres downfield to relieve the pressure. This was temporary though as 'Hills' came back again and sucked in the Heath defence before being awarded a penalty some 20 metres out. A quick tap followed and the wing forward crossed the line unopposed for a converted try. 7-12 after 23 minutes. 'Hills ' continued to dominate possession with their strong pack dictating play. But the Heath defence remained solid and Heath actually went into the half time break with their noses in front albeit against the run of play. In the 39th minute, the home scrum half passed the ball out from a ruck failing to see the onrushing centre, Tom COLLINGE, who intercepted some 45 metres out. He put his head down but he was being caught by his opposite number. However, he had the presence of mind to slip the ball outside to the supporting Colin HEWISON just before being tackled allowing Colin to score a try some 15 metres to the side of the posts. Again, Tom OWEN successfully converted and the half time whistle sounded. 14-12. ‘Hills’ showed their continued intent at the start of the second half to run direct at the Heath defence from 1-15 and they scored two tries in the first seven minutes of play, one of which was converted, to take the score to 14-24 and things were starting to look slightly ominous. After 54 minutes, the wing forward scored another try which was converted. 14-31 and the Heath lads now really had to dig-in and show their mettle. After 62 minutes, centre, Paul FARRAR, was replaced by Tim COOK who went to prop; Roger HAMMOND went into the back row and Alan SCHOLEFIELD went into the centre. After 68 minutes, Michael STEAD left the field to be replace by Alf BAXTER. In the 71st minute, ‘Hills’ scored an unconverted try to increase the lead to 14-36. Tim COOK then took a knock to the head and was replaced by Michael STEAD who re-entered the fray. There then followed probably the best try of the game when 'Hills ' ran the ball from their own '22' and scored an unconverted try in the corner. 14-41. However, there was still enough time on the clock for the Heath boys to bring the game to an end with a score. A loose ball was picked up on halfway by Colin HEWISON who made good ground towards the home '22'. The ball then went loose and Tom OWEN kicked the ball from the 22 towards the in-goal area where he was able to pounce on it just prior to its going dead . The conversion was taken by skipper, Rick PAINTER, who showed why he does not take such kicks normally!!!! The full time whistle sounded . Final score 19-41. In the first half, the Heath lads were able to contain the home side with excellent defence but it was always going to be a difficult task to be able to defend for a further 40 minutes against a very strong, experienced 'Hills' xv who ran the ball in a direct manner throughout. But the lads showed their mettle when they were able to score the final points of the game with heads never going down. Hands have to be held up and one can only say that Heath were beaten by a better side on the day. Man of the match awards are as follows: In the forwards, wing forward, Alan SCHOLEFIELD, always took the game to the opposition and ran and tackled strongly throughout putting in some 'big hits'. In the backs, young outside half Tom OWEN is growing in confidence with every game played. Today he was handed the kicking duties and he never missed one kick to touch and had a 100% record converting tries. His kicking into space was also exemplary putting his team mates on the front foot on numerous occasions. His decision making at outside half is very good, knowing exactly when to kick and when to release his back line.