Lacking in numbers, but still a great game.

Heath 3rd xv travelled to Leeds to take on Leodiensians 2nd / 3rd xv on an overcast day on a firm pitch. Due to a lack of numbers, the home side provided players to Heath to make it a 13 - a-side game. Leos took an early lead with an unconverted try. 5 -0. However, Heath had a good spell of possession and were looking good with ball in hand. Unfortunately, at the end of the spell, Leos increased their lead to 12-0 with an interception try from inside their own half. Heath were hit by the loss of flanker, Mark WARRENDER, with a leg injury after 12 minutes and so continued the rest of the half with 12 men. Heath continued contesting in all departments and played with commitment and 100% effort. A further 2 tries were scored by Leos before the half time whistle to make the half time score: Leos 24 v 0 Heath During the interval, a change of personnel between the 2 sides made for an excellent second half. Heaths' new number 8 and full back were having outstanding halves putting Heath on the front foot. Heath scored a couple of early tries in the second half through Leos loanees decreasing the gap between the sides. The home side hit back though and scored a couple of tries themselves to keep the Heath lads at bay. With better possession in the second half, the Heath lads played with much confidence led by skipper, Anthony DORLING, who was having an outstanding game. Another Heath try followed and it was scored by one of our boys. They had put pressure on the home line and the ball was spun out to the right where outside half, Michael DODD, was held but he managed to lob a ball outside to the supporting centre, Oli BURBRIDGE, who forced his way over in the corner. Leos came back and winger, Jason BAXTER chased back on 2 occasions and made try-saving tackles both times. Both Dave TOWNSEND and season debutant, Jimmy BLACKMORE were outstanding in the pack with the latter putting-in some excellent tackles and uses his strength to carry the ball well. Leos took control with a couple of further tries but it was Heath who finished the half with 2 converted tries., the Heath tries being converted by Kyle ADAMSON. The referee then blew his whistle for full time. Final score: Leos 52 v 31 Heath For the second week running, Heath played away lacking numbers but, thanks to the generosity of the opposition, the teams were evened up and, as last week, the game was played in an excellent spirit with both sets of players thoroughly enjoying their Saturday afternoon run out.