Disappointing result.

Heath 2nd xv played hosts to their Leodiensians counterparts in a league game at West Vale on a dull but dry afternoon. Leos got the game underway and Heath, through outside half, Eddie CARTWRIGHT soon took play deep into the Leos ‘22’. The home side kept Leos under pressure and were rewarded with a penalty kick some 30 metres out but CARTWRIGHT failed to convert. Unfortunately, prop Roger HAMMOND had to leave the field with a calf injury after 5 minutes to be replaced by Emlyn JAMES who went into the second row with young Lewis FISHER then taking his place in the front row. Leos then kicked deep into the Heath ‘22’ and home full back, Matthew COOK, returned the ball with interest taking play well into the Leos half. A further penalty was then conceded by Leos and Eddie made no mistake from 20 metres. 3 – 0 after 11 minutes. However, Leos took the lead in the 13th minute when the ball was passed down the line with the full back running a good line to allow a supporting player to score in the corner. The try was well converted. 3 – 7. Heath were awarded a penalty shortly afterwards and CARTWRIGHT was successful once again with the kick at goal. 6 – 7 after 17 minutes. Shortly afterwards, Heath were hit with a second injury when influential number 8, Chris MERRICK, had to leave the field with a deep cut to his forehead. Centre / winger Travis DENWOOD took to the field and initially went into the back row with Emlyn JAMES moving to ‘8’ and James LORD going into the second row to partner Ryan HUNTER. After 25 minutes, captain Andy WHITE who had swapped with Travis DENWOOD shortly after the latter’s introduction to the game, was sin binned for a technical offence and the home side would have to dig in deep. The Heath were made to pay for their lack of numbers when Leos put intense pressure on the home line, leading to the prop scoring a try some 15 metres in from touch. It was converted 6 – 14 after 33 minutes and the skipper returned to the fray soon afterwards. There was no further addition to the score before the referee, Rodney LOWE, brought the half to an end. 6 – 14. Heath started the second half brightly and were getting in the faces of their opponents. They were rewarded for their efforts with 2 penalties in the 46th and 54th minute, both from kickable positions. However, Eddie CARTWRIGHT was unable to take advantage with either shot at goal and the score remained 6 – 14. Heath continued to press but Leos were giving away penalty after penalty, so the home side were not being allowed to put together any phases of play. Leos were able to regroup and prevent Heath side from adding to their tally. After 66 minutes, Leos made one of only a handful of incursions into the Heath half and the strong-running number 8 scored a try under the posts which was easily converted. 6 – 21. The rest of the game was stop – start, with Leos continually penalised for transgressing but with Heath unable to make the possession count. Leos were reduced to 13 men after 2 of their players were eventually sent to the sin bin but with no time left on the clock, Heath did not have the time to take advantage of the 2 player advantage. Final score 6 v 21. This was a game that the home side could easily have won, but they never got into their stride. As stated earlier, their cause was not helped by the continuous penalties given away by Leos who were fortunate not to feel the full wrath of the referee until very late in the game - by which time the game had gone. Man of the match awards go to Emlyn JAMES who had an outstanding game in the pack after coming off the bench early in the game. He carried out his duties as pack leader with commitment and got his forwards going on the front foot on numerous occasions. Also, scrum half, Tom COLLINGE proved to be a good link between the forwards and backs, albeit he was put under pressure throughout.