Heath RUFC Halifax

Last match of the season saw Heath host Goole on the number 1 pitch on an overcast, and at sometimes drizzly day which left the pitch in excellent playing condition.

Heath kicked off towards the river and were quickly under pressure from the larger Goole pack and speedy backline. After only 4 minutes Heath were 14-0 down as the visitors capitalised on some early lapses of concentration.

Kicking off again Heath suddenly came alive, playing with more physicality in the breakdown and tackle and Goole suddenly found themselves in a match. Heath then spent a good spell in the visitor half both with and without the ball with a committed defence stopping the momentum Goole built up in the first four minutes.

Both sides were now playing good hard physical rugby which eventually boiled over in front of the main stand resulting in a Red card for each side.

Heath were showing their commitment in defence and hitting the rucks hard. Quick recycled ball was sent out to First Five Eighth Ben Gianotti on the visitors 10m line who put a deft grubber behind the visitors’ defensive line that was duly picked up by Centre Sam McIntyre who then outpaced the cover to score near the right hand corner for Heath to trail 14-5 after 24 minutes. Reward for a good spell.

Heath kept the pressure on with committed tackling across the park. Big hits from Flanker Alfie Connors stopping many an attack from the visitors and Heath went into the half time huddle happy with their first half’s work and response from the opening few minutes.

Unfortunately, the second half started in a similar fashion to the first and Goole scored first after 4 minutes to extend their lead to 21-5. Heath regrouped and returned to where they left off at halftime with committed defence and good runs through the middle, notably Callum Pickett using his size to make a number of breaks through the first defensive line.

The visitors then broke from their own 22 through their Centre although being tracked by Wing Jake Tyson who made an outstanding try saving tackle 10 metres out from our tryline, and with back up from his team mates secured the valuable turnover.

First of the changes was made by Coach Jordan Bradbrook bringing on Andrew Coates for Nathan Baldwyn followed by Isaac Shaw for Jack Mollet, then shortly after George Barton making way for Max Rowntree to go into Fullback with Owen Simpson moving to Halfback.

Goole were next to score 16 minutes into the second half, again converted to lead 26-5.

Jamie Reeve then replaced fellow Lock Finlay Verry with 10 minutes remaining and Heath back in the Goole half. Owen Simpson was tapping and running any penalty opportunity forcing the visitor further back into their own territory at which point Nathan Baldwyn was called back into action for a spent Alfie Connors.

The fresh legs showed and from the loose replacement Hooker Andrew Coates received the ball on the Goole 22 and stormed through the defence to score under the posts. Heath now trailed 28-10.

From the kick off strong runs from Max Rowntree, Owen Simpson, Isaac Shaw and Callum Pickett saw Heath quickly back in the visitors half but it was Goole who scored next breaking from their own half.

Heath however chalked up the last points of the match when Isaac Shaw received the ball outside the Goole 22 and battered his way over the line with the try duly converted by Captain Ben Gianotti.

An entertaining match to watch with apart from the opening four minutes, an even contest. Heath brought the physicality that they knew they had and despite again being the smaller pack, stepped up in all positions with committed defence and entertaining attack.

Men of the Match

Forwards Callum Pickett

Backs Jake Tyson

Result:

Heath 17 -33 Goole

Starting XV

1 Jack Mollet

2 Nathan Baldwyn

3 Callum Pickett

4 Lewis Dow

5 Finlay Verry

6 Alfie Connors