Great result against tough opposition

Dry conditions met the teams for once at North Dean and despite overnight rain, the pitch was in decent condition allowing a great game of flowing rugby. Heath had one of their strongest line-ups for some time and Keighley also looked a well drilled outfit. Things started well for Heath when Keighley failed to make 10m from their kick-off. Heath were able show early dominance in the scrum and gave Berridge an early run. He unfortunately knocked on in the tackle and then from a scrum drive Heath conceded a penalty. Heath spoilt the line-out and Gleeson was able to send one of his trademark clearance kicks downfield, causing another knock-on from Keighley. From the set piece Dance was able to dive forward supported by Hammond and then Reynolds released the backs once again for a forward surge, also ending in a knock-on. Heath once again spoilt the scrum and the ball was turned over, allowing Blackhall to break the line and then release Raby and Owen for great drives. A scrum was awarded to Heath when the ball went dead. Dance once again drove and a neat dummy from Reynolds allowed Gleeson to spot a gap and score under the posts, he took the extra points 7 – 0. Keighley were very soon back in the game, they forced an early scrum near to the Heath line and then after several phases of play were able to work a forward over the line, near the posts. They also took the extras to level the scores 7-7 Heath rallied again and forced Keighley into a line-out from the restart. The line-out was not straight but Heath turned the scrum over and a neat chip from Gleeson was unlucky not to be collected, instead being knocked on from a scrum. Heath were applying pressure in the right half of the pitch. Several drives and kicks were returned, but Heath drove on. The pressure would eventually reap rewards, when from another scrum and excellent miss move in the centres released Cook to cross, again under the posts for an easy conversion by Gleeson 14-7. Strong forward play was turning possession into great moves for Heath and even opposition scrums were not giving them quality ball. Heath again applied pressure and when the ball was knocked on, the official took the play back to an earlier offside, and Gleeson elected for the kick and took the extra 3 points 17 -7. From the next passage of play, great work by the backs released Hinchliffe, he was unlucky to be stopped 10m from the line but Blackhall took up the attack and was unlucky to knock on in process of offloading to Dawes for what would have been a certain try. Keighley kicked clear for a line-out on the 22, this was secured and when Gleeson released Wilkinson he went on a mazy run, to setup a ruck near the line, which Blackhall managed to convert into a try . 22-7 Gleeson missed the difficult conversion. Half time was blown Giraud replaced Holdsworth Again Heath kept up the pressure from the restart, after a few knock-ons and a penalty for side entry prevented any further scores, an excellent kick from Keighley gave them great position on the 5m line. They secured the line-out and drove over for another try, the conversion was missed but the gap was closed to 22-12. Heath needed another score at least to make the game safe, as Keighley were gaining strength through keeping the score ticking over. Hinchliffe came off for Owen. This opportunity came quickly, Heath won a penalty from a line-out infringement and kicked to the 5m line from the maul, James span off of the back to score a well worked forward try. Gleeson converted an excellent conversion 29-12. Keighley did not lie down though, they could have had two very quick tries but each time their wingers failed to collect the final pass and instead the ball went into touch. Heath attacked and Gleeson was awarded a penalty right in front of the sticks, when he was obstructed after chipping through, the points again were taken 32-12. Cook left the pitch injured for Hinchliffe to return. From a further line-out Dawes took the ball off the top and Reynolds ran through, winning a further penalty for failing to release, Gleeson kicked his 3rd penalty to move us to 35-12, the game was still not secure as Keighley released their winger from the restart to cross under the posts and convert 35-19. Keighley came again, and when there centre broke through with only Hinchliffe to beat, Dawes came out of nowhere to tackle. The game was stopped due to the resultant injury on the Keighley player. The ball had been knocked on so the game was restarted with a scrum to Heath. The ball was kicked and charged down by Keighley but allowed Heath to fly hack through the defence, the backs chased and kicked on further, and Wilkinson ripped the ball from the defender to cross for a final score which Gleeson converted. 42-19 1. Dance. 6. Dawes 11 Holdsworth 2. Whitworth 7.Wilkinson 12 Blackhall 3. Hammond 8. Raby 13 Cook 4. James 9. Reynolds 14 Hinchliffe 5. Szadby 10 Gleeson 15 Berridge Subs: K Raby, G Owen, Giraud