A strong Team produces a good win.

Heath 2nd xv entertained Roundhegians 2nd xv at West Vale on a fine, sunny afternoon. The opposition had 12 players only but thanks to John BURTON, Kofi BROBBEY and Richard ARMSTRONG, they played with the full compliment of players. However, uncontested scrums had to be the order of the day. After the first few minutes, Heath began to get the upperhand and opened their account in the 11th minute when the backs made ground and got the home side into the ‘Hegians ‘22’. The forwards then took over and after a couple of drives, second row, Emlyn JAMES scored a try converted by Mick GLEESON. 7 – 0 Heath continued in the ascendancy and after 17 minutes, the forwards forced their way upfield into the opposition ‘22’ and when the ball was given to the backs, outside centre, Eddie CARTWRIGHT beat a couple of defenders and, although he was tackled just short of the line, he was able to stretch and put the ball down over the line. The conversion was missed. 12 – 0. After 23 minutes the forwards again made good ground with ball in hand before releasing the backs. The ball was passed quickly down the line with Eddie CARTWRIGHT making the final pass to17 years old left winger, Jacob STOREY, who went over in the corner for his first senior try. The conversion was unsuccessful. 17 – 0 Hegians then got themselves back into the game after 30 minutes. They found touch deep into Heath territory from a penalty. They took the ball from the lineout and drove the ball forwards. A scrum followed and the ball was passed down the line and after a couple of forward drives, it was passed to left winger, Richard ARMSTRONG, who promptly scored in the corner. The try was not converted. 17 – 5. Darren FERMOYLE then replaced young STOREY on the wing. After 36 minutes, Heath increased their lead with a well taken try after good interplay between the backs and forwards. Second row, Joe SHIPMAN, sprinting over from 25 metres out. Mick GLEESON converted. 24 – 5. On the stroke of half time, Hegians kicked a penalty to make the Half time score: Heath 24 v 8 Roundhegians After 51 minutes, the home side opened their second half account when further good interplay between backs and forwards led to Darren FERMOYLE coming in off his wing and scoring a try at the side of the posts. The conversion was missed. 29 – 8 Jacob STOREY then replaced Michael DODD on the right wing. Heath looked to have increased their lead after 55 minutes when, from a scrum, Mick GLEESON made an excellent break with 2 good side steps. He looked as if he was going to score but he was tackled just short of the line. He passed outside to Darren FERMOYLE who trotted over but play was brought back for a forward final pass. After 60 minutes, Joe SHIPMAN had to leave the field with a leg injury and he was replaced in the pack by Michael DODD. After 76 minutes, Mick GLEESON threw out a long, speculative pass in his own half. This was taken by Eddie CARTWRIGHT who then sprinted some 50 metres to score an excellent try which he failed to convert. 34 – 8. Some further excellent teamwork by the Heath side led to the ball being passed along the line. Mick GLEESON took the ball forwards before passing to the supporting Darren FERMOYLE who crossed the whitewash for a very good try. Mick GLEESON converted. 41 – 8 Just after the restart, referee Bob FREEMAN of the Devon Referees Society, brought the game to an end. Final score: Heath 41 v 8 Roundhegians This was a very entertaining game played in a good spirit with some good rugby on show. A big thank you to the 3 Heath lads who played for the opposition and also the referee who had an excellent game. Man of the Match awards go to full back, Josh LISTER who put in a good stint in both attack and defence; and, in the forwards, Olly COLLINGE who carried the ball well and put in some good tackles.