And so it came to pass. The magnificent Heath 3rd team were defeated by Hudds YMCA Vets in dubious circumstance.
Having first been pincered and pillaged by the 2nds and 12-12 sides the remaining stalwarts were entertained by the Vets who's antics seemed set to influence key refereeing decisions.
The Heath lads felt that there then followed several dubious and debatable scenarios with them seemingly on the rough end of the stick. It is testamount to their sporting spirit that the game continued in good order, especially as the game was effectively marshaled by a quorum of YMCA players.
Rapidly the YMCA Vets took advantage of the offside rule and commanded a 5-0 lead by means of an unconverted try. Heath continued to compete before being penalised close to their own line. A quick tap penalty resulted in YM improving their lead to 12-0 via a converted try.
Up against the the elements Heath began to gain the ascendency and took YM on. They went close several times without gain, before being on the receiving end of a break away try which made the half time score 17-0.
Half time arrived and Heath restarted with the wind and rain at their backs and a real sense of optimism prevailed. Several enterprising attacks into opposition territory resulted in a score when Martin Barnes deftly chipped the advancing defenders and the resultant rush towards the try line was ended by the kicker's touch down. 17-5.
As the game appeared to be turning in Heaths favour the home side's veteran players seemed to decide to lower the standards further, making the referee's position unattenable. He duly ended the game a full 15 minutes short which compounded the misery suffered thus far by the visitors.
All in all, the lads played creditably in tough circumstances. Keep your chins up fellas.
