A good run out, for the first game of season for 3rds.

Heath 3rd xv opened their 2016 /17 season with a home fixture against Skipton 2nd xv on a fine afternoon at West Vale. The home side had a squad of 19 players. Skipton got the game underway and, within a couple of minutes, left winger, Oliver BURBRIDGE had to leave the field with a leg injury being replaced by Richard ARMSTRONG. Heath started the game well but both defences were in control. However, the Skipton defence was breached after 15 minutes and Heath opened their account. Heath made their way into the Skipton ‘22’ and from a lineout, the forwards drove the ball in on 2-3 occasions before prop John HALL took the ball 8 metres out and forced his way over the line for a try which was not converted by outside half, Gareth WEBB. 5 – 0 After 18 minutes, Gareth WEBB and centre, Jack BLACKHALL made good ground up the field and the ball was recycled at the breakdown just outside the Skipton ‘22’. Scrum half, Paul SUTCLIFFE, then went for a deft chip over the Skipton defenders but the kick was charged down and Skipton cleared the danger. After 21 minutes, changes were made to the Heath side. Tyler GRIMLEY, Richard ARMSTRONG and Callum BULL left the field to be replaced by Craig MORLEY, Oliver BURBRIDGE and Chris SAYER respectively. After 26 minutes, Skipton scored a converted try when the ball was kicked downfield and the full back ran it back, with interest, before jinking his way over the line under the posts for a well – taken try. 5 – 7 After 30 minutes, hooker Leon ASHTON was replaced by Mark STOREY who went into the back row with James WHITWORTH going to hooker. There was no further addition to the score before referee, Rodney LOWE, brought the first half to an end. Half time: Heath 5 v 7 Skipton Heath were quick out of the blocks at the start of the second half and immediately took a foothold in the Skipton ‘22’. From a scrum, Jack BLACKHALL took the ball on the blindside and got within 5 metres of the line. However, it was then lost in contact at the ruck and Skipton had a scrum. Although they won the ball, Mark STOREY pressurised the number 8 and the ball was eventually turned over. After a couple of drives from the pack, number 8, Owen WILLIAMS reached out to score a try some 7 metres in from touch which was well converted by Gareth WEBB. 12 – 7 After 53 minutes, Skipton put in a good kick down their right flank. Full back, Michael DODD, retreated and managed to gather the ball. He took it back into the ‘22’ but, under pressure, he was able to put in a tremendous clearance kick on the turn which ended up in the opposition ‘22’. A good chase by the Heath boys followed and they were rewarded with an attacking scrum just outside the Skipton ‘22’. However, the home side was unable to press home their advantage and it was Skipton who scored the next points. After 56 minutes, they ran the ball along the backline and, after gaining ground down their left, it was passed back inside to the full back who ran under the posts for his second try which was converted. 12 – 14 Heath rang the changes in order to give all players good game time. Skipton then took the upperhand and scored 3 further tries taking the score to 12 – 33 after 73 minutes. However, Heath kept their heads up and they scored the final try of the game after 77 minutes. They had an attacking lineout some 10 metres out from the Skipton line. A penalty was given to Heath and Leon ASHTON took a quick tap and forced his way over the line from 8 metres. The try was well converted by Gareth WEBB. 19 – 33 In the final few minutes, Heath attacked in an attempt to reduce the deficit but they were unable to add to their tally when the full time whistle was blown. Final score: Heath 3rd xv 19 v 33 Skipton 2nd xv. This was a good run out for the Heath lads and it was pleasing to see a mixture of young lads and experienced heads take to the field. Having 19 players for the first game is an excellent effort from the players but with injuries and unavailabilities from the 2 higher teams, there is always room for any other lads who fancy a run out allowing the 3rd xv to become a permanent fixture at the rugby club.