A good win helps Merit League position.

Heath entertained Aireborough on an overcast day. A sizeable crowd was treated to 10 tries during the match, and entertaining champagne rugby for large parts of the game. With Dan Ingham unavailable and scouting for talent in Tenerife, Paddy Kerr again took the reins. The Heath tactics were adhered to from the kick off and Aireborough were put under pressure. Gleeson at 10, was integral to all play, linking up both the pack via John Lock (ole) at 8 and the backs with aplomb. Good work from Heath saw them score two early tries from Lock (ole, ole) and built a good foundation. Confidence was high but missed tackles resulted in Aireborough reducing the deficit before half time. This worked in Heath’s favour and the first half finished with a flurry of ball to hand moves, via Owen and Gleeson, releasing the ever improving Paul Radcliffe and Dick Armstrong on the wings. The second half saw Heath dominate the first 20 minutes. More good work from the pack released Lock (ole) who in turn passed on resulting in Armstrong going in at the corner. Another series of forward phases softened the Aireborough defence which allowed Lock (ole) to carve a furrow towards the line. Recycled ball from Gleeson and Greenwood (replacing Owen) was sent to Nathan Field who made a powerful drive under the posts, scoring a well-deserved try. Further forays led to Martyn Barnes scoring under the posts, followed by Kyle Lister (replacing Matty Cook), both good individual efforts with John Lock (ole) not involved this time! With 20 minutes to go, a series of replacements were required, Aireborough lost their hooker and uncontested scrums were agreed. Then, following a bad injury to an Aireborough player, Emlyn James volunteered to assist the visitors. This combination led to Heath losing their way a little, and the visitors built a comeback including, 3 further tries. Just before the final whistle Jim MacReady, who had driven the pack all day, was binned for a repeated penalty infringement..... A little harsh? Final whistle 38 - 26 to Heath, a job done and Heath cement a top 3 position in the merit league. Tries: lock 2, Armstrong, Field, Barnes, Lister Conv: Cook, Lister 3 Kiplings restaurant MOTM were Martin Barnes and Michael Gleeson. Moorhouses Brewery “player’s player” of the month went to Jim MacReady.