This was a good game of rugby played in a good spirit...

After watching England beat the Italians at the clubhouse, Heath 2nd xv played hosts to Old Brodleians 2nd xv in a friendly fixture on a cool, windy but dry afternoon. The game was played with uncontested scrums. The home side started brightly with both backs and forwards hitting the ground running. After 5 minutes, Heath took the lead. They gained a foothold in the Brods ‘22’ and after a couple of forward drives, second row, Richard DANCE picked up the ball at the back of the ruck and forced his way over from a couple of metres. The try was converted by outside half, Mick GLEESON. 7 – 0 Brods then settled into the game and appeared to be taking control when they scored an unconverted try after 12 minutes. 7 – 5. Heath then had the chance to increase their lead with a fairly straightforward penalty kick at goal from just outside the Brods ‘22’ and to the side of the posts. Unfortunately, Mick GLEESON missed the kick but from the resulting ‘22’ drop out, full back, Josh LISTER, ran the ball back but referee, James BARNETT, awarded a penalty for the home side. Mick GLEESON put in an excellent kick which found touch some 5 metres from the Brods line. Heath took the ball at the lineout and drove to the line. They looked to have crossed, but a 5metres defending scrum was the result of Heath knocking the ball forwards just before crossing the line. Brods cleared deep and Josh LISTER ran the ball back and a further penalty was awarded when he was tripped. Once again, Mick GLEESON found touch near the Brods line but this came to nought. After 27 minutes, Brods took the lead when they made a break into the Heath ‘22’ and the ball was recycled with the centre scoring a converted try under the posts. 7 – 12. The game continued to be evenly contested but Brods scored a further converted try on the stroke of half time. Half time: Heath 7 v 19 Old Brods During the interval, Danny HOLT replaced Michael DODD on the right wing. Heath started the second half strongly and were the dominant force for the 3rd quarter of the game. They were held up over the line on a couple of occasions and Brods were feeling the pressure giving away a number of penalties in their own ‘22’. ( Jacob STOREY replaced Matthew COOK on the left wing after 54 minutes ) From one such penalty some 5 metres in from the touch line, Heath kicked for touch looking for the catch and drive. Unfortunately, they did not secure the ball and Brods were able to clear their lines. Within 30 seconds, they then crossed the line for a further converted try. 7 – 26. This was totally against the run of play. Heath did not let their heads drop and continued to make inroads into the Brods half. After 67 minutes, Johnno BURTON and Matthew COOK replaced Gareth OWEN and Josh LISTER respectively. After 69 minutes, Heath took the ball from an attacking lineout and the pack drove the ball forwards ending up with hooker, Anthony DARLING, grounding the ball over the line. The try was well converted by Mick GLEESON. 14 -26 After 78 minutes, centre Cameron RAMSDEN left the field with an ankle injury to be replaced by Josh LISTER. With time almost up, Brods gave away a couple of penalties near their own line and after a quick tap from each, number 8 Emlyn JAMES scored a try to the side of the posts which was converted by Mick GLEESON. 21 – 26. There was just time for the restart before James BARNETT brought the game to an end. Final score: Heath 21 v 26 Old Brods. This was a good game of rugby played in a good spirit with the Heath lads putting in an excellent shift with all 18 players playing their part. Man of the match awards go to hooker, Anthony DARLING, who ran well with the ball and gained his reward with a try; and, in the backs, centre Eddie CARTWRIGHT, who ran well with ball in hand and also put in a good tackling stint.