Another good win.

Heath 2nd xv played hosts to Knottingley 2nd xv in a League game hoping to continue their fine start to the season. The game took place on a dull but dry afternoon. There was a quiet start to the game with neither side able to exert pressure on their opponents. Young debutant wing forward, Oliver COLLINGE, started the game brightly putting in some good tackles and also gaining turnover ball at the breakdown. Heath had the first real attacking opportunity when they forced an attacking 5 metre scrum but the ball flew out of the side and the ball was cleared by Knottingley. After 15 minutes, centre Andy WHITE received a suspected broken nose and was replaced by Tom COLLINGE. After 17 minutes, Heath had the chance to open the scoring when they were awarded a penalty some 40+ metres out. Outside half, Edward CARTWRIGHT’s attempt was just to the side of the posts. There was no pattern to the game whatsoever and the home side was finding it difficult to put together any meaningful period of attacking play. After 27 minutes it was Knottingley who opened the scoring with a penalty. 0 – 3. Heath were gaining good possession from the lineouts through debutants, Oliver COLLINGE and young Rhys PARR but were struggling to create opportunities. After 31 minutes, Edward CARTWRIGHT made a break and kicked for left winger, Matthew BAXENDALE to chase. Knottingley took the ball over their own line to concede a 5 metre scrum. The ball was won and Edward CARTWRIGHT dummied a couple of passes before passing to right winger, Colin HEWISON who was stopped just short of the line. A further 5 metre scrum followed but, unfortunately, no points resulted. After 36 minutes, Heath eventually got on the scoreboard. They gained a foothold in the Knottingley ‘22’ and after driving the ball in on a couple of occasions, centre and skipper, Martin SHAW made good ground before offloading to the supporting Tom COLLINGE who dived over next to the posts. Edward CARTWRIGHT converted. 7 – 3. After 38 minutes, Heath increased their lead with a well-taken try. Turnover ball was gained in centre field; number 8, Richard DANCE passed out to Edward CARTWRIGHT who went on one of his trademark jinking runs culminating in an excellent try that he converted himself. 14 – 3. There was more to come!! Within a couple of minutes, Heath were back on the attack in the Knottingley ‘22’ and some strong running from Martin SHAW and excellent distribution from scrum half, Richard COLE saw Colin HEWISON get possession of the ball some 10 metres out. He had his opposition winger and the full back in front of him and played a delightful chip over the 2 defenders into the ‘in goal’ area. He skipped around the Knottingley defence and scored a try in the corner. The conversion was missed. The referee brought the half to an end shortly afterwards. Half time score 19 – 3. Heath started the second half as they had finished the first. After 46 minutes the lead was increased. A long kick from Knottingley found touch deep in the Heath half and replacement, Karl RABY, who had come on as temporary replacement for second row Barry SYKES, showed quick thinking and restarted play, passing infield to full back, Matthew COOK. He passed to Edward CARTWRIGHT who set off on another weaving run which took him to the Knottingley ‘22’. He then chipped the ball towards the in goal area where the defending full back was hesitant allowing young CARTWRIGHT to score the try which he converted himself. 26 – 3. Within 3 minutes, Heath had added to their tally when Richard DANCE turned the ball over in the Knottingley half; the ball was passed down the line to Tom COLLINGE who then transferred the ball to Matthew BAXENDALE who strolled in at the corner. The conversion was missed. 31 – 3. Heath then went off the boil allowing Knottingley to gain the upperhand. That said, the home line remained intact until a couple of phases of slack tackling gave Knottingley good position near the home line. They were awarded a penalty which was taken quickly and a try was scored next to the posts. The conversion was successful. 31 – 10 after 68 minutes. Knottingley continued to pressure the home side. They were awarded a penalty in their own half. A quick tap was taken and the penalty was moved 10 metres forwards when Heath failed to retreat. The ball was passed to the wing forward who ran through a couple of feeble attempts at tackling. He then had young COOKIE between himself and the try line and COOKIE stood his ground and put in a textbook tackle forcing the attacker to lose the ball on contact. Heath were able to clear their lines from the resulting scrum. Karl RABY then replaced Barry SYKES in the second row after 71 minutes.. After 73 minutes, Knottingley cut the deficit once more. From a scrum near halfway, the big centre ran through a massive gap and after a couple of missed tackles, he was felled by Colin HEWISON but he managed to offload to a supporting colleague who scored the try which was duly converted. 31 – 17. Heath had taken their foot well and truly off the gas and needed to increase the tempo straightaway. After 78 minutes, Heath worked their way into the Knottingley ‘22’ where after a couple of forward drives, the ball came out to Martin SHAW who used his strength to score by the side of the posts. The conversion hit the post. 36 – 17. Heath went straight back on the offensive and increased their lead when the ball was kicked deep into the Knottingley ‘22’. The outside half retrieved the ball, but was put under pressure by 2 chasing Heath players. He attempted to kick to touch but the ball was well caught by Richard COLE. The ball was passed to Tom COLLINGE infield who then found his brother who quickly transferred the ball to Richard DANCE who scored a try between the posts converted by Edward CARTWRIGHT. 43 – 17. The final whistle followed shortly afterwards. Final score: Heath 43 v 17 Knottingley. This was a stuttering performance by the home side. That said, the Heath boys were still able to score 7 tries and have players capable of scoring tries from all over the field. So, the winning start to the season continues and confidence in the camp grows weekly. Man of the match awards go to 3 players this week: firstly, outside half, Edward CARTWRIGHT who continued to show his ability to score tries out of nothing from anywhere on the pitch and who unfortunately is now on his way to University to continue his education. Secondly, wing forward, Oliver COLLINGE who had a very good debut putting in some excellent tackles and also making a nuisance of himself at the breakdown, turning over ball on occasions. Thirdly, number 8, Richard DANCE, who was making his first appearance of the season, continued from where he left off last season. He carried the ball well and put Knottingley on the back foot on numerous occasions. He also put in an excellent tackling stint and his endeavour was rewarded with a very good try.