Once in their stride, Heath dominate and bring home a high-scoring victory.

Heath 2nd xv entertained Wharfedale 4th xv at West Vale on a dull but dry afternoon in a league game which could see them closing the gap on leaders, Old Rishworthians. Heath made the perfect start when they kicked off and managed to regain possession immediately. The ball was passed to wide right and, after committing players to the ruck, Wharfedale left themselves short in defence and Heath passed the ball quickly to the left and Emlyn JAMES found left winger, Michael DODD, in space and he was able to beat the last defender to score between the touchline and posts. Gareth WEBB was successful with the conversion. 7 – 0 Unfortunately, for the next 10 minutes or so, the home side was unable to press home their advantage with some poor passing and decision making. It was very scrappy in this period. Prop Craig MORLEY made an excellent break including a dummy but again, he tried to offload and the ball went forwards and a Wharfedale scrum was given. On 15 minutes, Heath increased their lead when the Wharfedale defence was short on their right leaving Heath with a 3 man overlap. Gareth WEBB was tackled but threw out a pass to the left and centre, Jack BRUCE, picked the ball up to gallop over for a try converted by Gareth WEBB. 14 – 0 After 18 minutes, Heath almost scored again when full back, Tom COCKROFT showed good speed to make 30 metres before kicking towards the try line. The Wharfedale winger was able to beat the chasing Heath lads to the ball and subsequently touched down over his own line for a 22m drop out. After 21 minutes, hooker and captain, Mark PUTTICK made a break straight down the centre of the pitch and when he had the full back to beat, he chipped over the defender. The ball went into the in-goal area where the following – up Gareth WEBB was just beaten to the touchdown and a 22m drop out ensued. After 25 minutes, Wharfedale kicked deep towards halfway. Max DAWES trapped the ball and it was picked up by prop, Chris PIPER. He passed to second row, Richard DANCE who went on a barnstorming run before passing outside to the supporting Gareth OWEN who scored between the posts for a try converted by Gareth WEBB. 21 – 0 After 30 minutes, the Heath backline, who were now performing well as a unit, managed to pass the ball out quickly and Gareth WEBB cut back inside and scored between the posts and converted it himself. 28 – 0 After 34 minutes, Wharfedale entered the Heath ‘22’ for the first time and put the home defence under pressure. They were awarded a penalty and opted for the scrummage. However, Heath took the ball against the head and cleared their lines. After 39 minutes, Jack BRUCE took the ball some 50 metres out and he jinked his way past 4 defenders before scoring an excellent individual try under the posts. Gareth WEBB converted. 35 – 0. Referee Jolyon DOBBS then brought the first half to an end. Half time: Heath 35 v 0 Wharfedale Heath had lent Wharfedale a couple of players - - -James WHITWORTH and Matt DAY - - -and Matt DAY returned to the Heath bench as another Wharfedale player had turned up during the interval. Paddy KERR also replaced Chris PIPER at prop. Heath started the second half as they had the first when, from the kick off, the ball was taken into contact. The ball was quickly recycled and outside half, Junaid MALIK, found flanker, Ryan HUNTER running a superb line from deep. He was tackled but passed to Junaid MALIK who passed the ball through his legs and it was taken on by Gareth WEBB who, in turn, found Tom COCKROFT who showed good pace to sprint over the try line from 40 metres for an excellent team try which was duly converted by Gareth WEBB. 42 – 0 After 49 minutes, the home side scored a further try when Jack BRUCE linked well with Tom COCKROFT for the latter to sprint behind the posts for a further converted try by WEBBY. 49 – 0 Chris PIPER then returned to the fray to replace Emlyn JAMES at number 8 and James WHITWORTH also had to leave the field with Matt DAY returning to play for Wharfedale. After 52 minutes, Wharfedale kicked deep into Heath territory but the ball was run back with interest by Tom COCKROFT. He kicked deep and appeared to be taken out but the referee played an excellent advantage allowing Jack BRUCE to chase the ball, control it near the line and pick up and score a further try. WEBBY missed the conversion. 54 – 0. After 55 minutes, from a scrum, Junaid MALIK found Jack BRUCE running a good line and he scored a try under the posts which WEBBY converted. 61 – 0. Within a couple of minutes, Heath extended their lead when Tom COCKROFT again showed a clean pair of heels to score a try near the corner flag. WEBBY missed the conversion. 66 – 0 Wharfedale showed tremendous character when they spent 2-3 minutes in the Heath ‘22’ shortly afterwards but then Heath were able to clear their lines and, sensibly, the referee brought the game to an end. Final score: Heath 2nd xv 66 v 0 Wharfedale 4th xv This was a game which took the Heath boys a good 15 minutes to get into their stride but once they started to gel, they put on a very good performance and scored some excellent tries. A big thank you goes out to both James WHITWORTH and Matt DAY who played for Wharfedale.