Now its 7 wins on the trot!

Heath 2nd xv entertained their Castleford counterparts at West Vale in a league fixture on a dry, cool afternoon. Castleford started the brighter and Heath were struggling to gain possession at the line out and open play in general. The first 10-15 minutes was played in the Heath half but it was the home side who opened the scoring in the 16th minute. The home side was awarded a couple of penalties in the Cas ‘22’ and, from the second, scrum half Richard COLE took a quick tap to the supporting centre, Chris MERRICK, who used his strength to score a try some 10 metres to the side of the posts. The try was converted by Richard COLE. 7 – 0. This score seemed to spur on the home side who then started to dictate proceedings. After 21 minutes, open side flanker, Will NICHOLSON picked up at the base of the scrum and made ground before offloading to the supporting hooker, Gareth OWEN, who in turn made a further 25 metres before losing the ball in the tackle. After 24 minutes, Heath increased their lead with a penalty from 25 metres out by Richard COLE. 10 – 0. After 31 minutes the home side added to their tally when the forwards drove the ball in on a couple of occasions before it was passed out to full back, Andy WHITE, who made ground. The ball was quickly transferred down the line and left winger, Colin HEWISON, kicked downfield and the retreating Cas full back, under pressure from Colin, then punched the ball into the touch. The referee, Nick LEADBEATER, correctly awarded the penalty, which was taken quickly by Chris MERRICK who found wing forward, Richard DANCE, in support and he was able to score a try near the corner flag. The conversion was missed. 15 – 0. After 36 minutes, Andy WHITE left the field with a back injury. Young Matthew COOK went from right wing to full back and replacement Martyn BARNES went on the right wing. Shortly afterwards, a kick downfield from Cas was collected by Colin HEWISON who, to all intents and purpose, gave the impression that he was going for a drop goal from the halfway line. However, he just dropped the ball and a Cas scrum followed!!!! After 40 minutes, Heath were awarded a penalty some 35 metres out which was successfully converted by Richard COLE to extend the lead to 18 – 0. The half time whistle followed shortly afterwards. Will NICHOLSON was replaced by Martin WHITE due to a neck injury. After 41 minutes, Cas knocked the ball on in the tackle and it was picked up by Heath with it then being passed between forwards Rick CARTER, Gareth OWEN, John LOCK before being knocked forwards by second row, Barry SYKES. This was a good phase of play by the pack. Apart from this piece of play, Heath started the second half poorly allowing the big Cas pack to dictate matters. Cas got their reward after 46 minutes when the pack made good ground with several pick and drives before the ball was passed out to the right winger who scored in the corner. A good conversion followed. 18 – 7. Barry SYKES left the field with a blood injury being replaced by Ryan HUNTER. After 48 minutes, Barry SYKES returned to the field and it was number 8 John LOCK who came off due to an arm injury. Emlyn JAMES then moved from second row to number 8. After 52 minutes, Heath forced their way into the Cas ‘22’ and were awarded a penalty which was moved on a further 10 metres as a result of backchat by the defending side. Richard COLE, who was having an excellent game, took a quick tap and passed to outside half, Tom COLLINGE, who dummied a couple of passes to the centres before scoring himself at the side of the posts. The conversion from Richard COLE was successful. 25 – 7. After 63 minutes, Heath took a 22 drop out deep into the Cas half. The ball was kicked back by the full back. After bouncing, it was retrieved by Tom COLLINGE who passed to Emlyn JAMES who ran strongly and scored a try from 25 metres + from the try line. Richard COLE converted. 32 – 7. Importantly, also, this ensured a bonus point for Heath having scored 4 tries. After 67 minutes there followed an excellent phase of play by young COOKIE at full back. He took a high ball and called for the ‘mark’ in his ‘22’. He then kicked the ball downfield and found touch within 6-7 metres of the Cas line. Cas then cleared their lines but, once again, COOKIE took the kick on the full and ran back before putting up a testing high kick into the Cas ‘22’ which was dealt with well by the Cas outside half. After 72 minutes, Cas scored a further try. The ball was chipped from the Heath ‘22’ behind retreating right winger, Martyn BARNES. What followed next was reminiscent of a game of cricket!! It was as if BARNESY was diving to make a catch on the boundary edge; he caught the ball then dropped it over the boundary for 6 runs!!! Yes, you’ve guessed. Whilst lying prostrate on the ground the Cas player then touched the ball for a try, which was well converted once again. 32 – 14. No further points were added before the game came to an end. Final score: Heath 32 v 14 Castleford. This was a well-deserved victory for the home side who extended their unbeaten run at the start of the season to 7 games. Man of the match awards go to captain, Martin SHAW in the backs who had a solid game in both attack and defence and second row, Barry SYKES who put in a very good performance in all departments of the game. Heath travel to Wheatley Hills next Saturday for what is certain to be a very stiff test .