Heath u13s Finish Season on High

Back in December Heath were beaten by today’s visitors Baildon 30 - 10.  Today, Baildon brought over a large squad looking to repeat this result.  However, Heath u13s have become a resilient bunch and with securing 'runners up' at the Sandal Castle Cup last week the coaches and lads were confident in their own ability.

With two days of dry weather the pitches had firmed up, the match was played on the first team pitch with a good following on the sidelines from both teams.  Captain today was Logan Helliwell-MacDonald.

Baildon kicked off in the first half, Heath retained possession for many phases of play but Baildon’s defence was holding strong.  At a turnover it was Baildon who got on the scoreboard first.  Heath 0 - 5 Baildon.

Having played the first 5 mins of the game in Heaths half, the lads progressed up into Baildon’s 20m line.  With some penetrating runs by the forwards Ethan Murphy darted over the line.  Heath 5 - 5 Baildon.

The match was stopped whilst Baildon had possession when a deer sprinted down the left wing zooming passed the lads…hopefully Bambi was ok when it decided to exit Heath via the car park and up into the woods!

Baildon returned to Heath's half and responded quickly to score.  Heath 5 - 10 Baildon.  However, when Heath’s forwards had set the platform the ball went left and Alfie Cartwright danced round the Baildon winger, stepped inside then out to burn passed their fullback - great try.  Heath 10 - 10 Baildon.

Heath were finishing the first half on top.  Their ball retention at the ruck was excellent.  This led to a second try for Ethan Murphy who has been a danger to all defences this season.  Heath 15 - 10 Baildon.  Whistle went for halftime.

Heath kicked off the second half and within 5 mins Sonny Gordon got the ball, beat four players down the right touchline to then be tackled and fell awkwardly under the weight of the Baildon defender.  The game was stopped and Sonny was taken to A&E (broken ankle).  This led to a change in referee and Baildon coach stepped in.  Thanks to Becky the Baildon physio for support on the day - much appreciated.

The game would continue without further scores until the last 5 mins.  Heath built pressure down the right and two scores by Alfie Cartwright including great hands from Bradley Gill meant the final score was Heath 25 - 15 Baildon.

This was a well matched fixture and one which showcased top level u13s rugby in West Yorkshire.

Thanks to Baildon for travelling over and thanks to all supporters from both sides for creating a great atmosphere.

Man of the match - Alfie Cartwight (that said it could have been a number of players due to the work rate of the whole team).

So that’s it!  2023/24 season done.  Looking forward to celebrating what has been a successful season for the u13s at the club on Sunday 05/05 at 14:00.