2024 starts with a bang

The first fixture of 2024 proved to be an absolute firecracker for Heath u13s as they hosted Pontefract at West Vale with more explosions than the London’s New Years Eve display!  Pontefract arrived with a squad of 24 including some absolute monsters up front and controlled by outstanding captain Daniel at 10.  Heath fielded a squad of 15 including Alex Murphy playing up an age group.  Conditions were relatively dry and the pitch was good considering the rain and seniors match yesterday.  The game was played over three 20 min thirds and refereed by Coach Gordon.

The first 10 mins of play were dominated by Pontefract’s well organised attack.  Heath were standing strong with robust defence (including moment of match by Ethan Gill putting the biggest lad on the pitch into touch - class) and counter rucking to slow the opposition down.  However Ponte broke the deadlock with good hands and strong running to go over down the right.  0 - 5.

Heath started to get some possession and at the scrum our boys led by Lewis Farrell, Logan Helliwell-MacDonald and Lennon Fermoyle were giving the Ponte Pack some meat grinder treatment!  However poor handling by the lads meant they couldn’t convert this possession.  First third ended 0 - 5.

Some more structured attacks by Ponte led to an early try in the next period.  0 - 10.  After some neat offloads by Capt Jasper Haigh and strong runs by Alex Kershaw, inside centre Ethan Murphy took the ball blind and skinned the covering defence to score an excellent individual effort.  5 - 10.  Ponte were able to break through for a try that was given following consultation with the Ponte linesman - no knock on was seen.  Second third ended 5 - 15.  Heath were now in the contest and were going toe to toe both in defence and attack.

It was the final third where the fireworks from both teams started to kick in.  Passions were running high as both teams were still in it.  Heath started well responding to Coach Gordon’s ask to be on the scoreboard first.  Sonny Gordon kicked short to Ponte and the lads fired in.  With quick turn over the ball went out to Logan Hall who carved right, busted through tackles and sprinted to the try line.  10 - 15…GAME ON!

Ponte worked hard to get back into Heath’s half and after a couple of high tackles Heath found themselves in their own half.  Logan H-M was leading his pack by example and smashed into the Ponte attack.  Ponte chose to kick through as they couldn’t break the Heath line, it paid off as the ball bounced kindly for Ponte in Heath’s red zone.  Although cover defence was there Ponte were judged to have not knocked on over the line to score.  10 - 20.

The game ended as it was played with fire and passion.  A penalty was given to Heath after a high shot however time ran out for the lads and the game ended.  Final score Heath 10 - 20 Pontefract.  Big thanks to Coach Tim and the rest of the Pontefract coaches, squad and supporters for travelling over and good luck for the rest of the season - we will see you over at yourselves for round 3!

Coaches Woods and Gordon were extremely proud of the Band of Brothers who put on the Heath shirt today.  Although the scoreline was not on our side today the way our lads battled was second to none…they played for each other to the very last whistle.

Man of the Match - Logan Helliwell-MacDonald
Moment of the Match - Ethan Gill (biggest weight difference on pitch and still got the lad into touch)

Well done lads and see you on Thursday 1800 sharp.