Still waiting for their first league fixture of the season, Heath’s Colts accepted a last minute invitation from Morley which provided an ideal opportunity for the combination of returnees and new players, to find their feet – despite nine team mates missing either unavailable or performing county duties elsewhere.
Morley made their intentions clear from the off and, just five minutes into the game, Heath captain Max Netherwood fell foul of an overtly physical tackle from Morley’s prop. Undeterred, Heath continued to hold their opponents at bay.
Poor passing let them down with several missed opportunities before centre Kyle Tetley’s rapid acceleration broke through Morley’s defence, backed up by new boy Michael Reynolds who took the ball in just shy of the line before passing to Liam Sykes who crossed for the first points of the match moments before the half-time whistle.
Morley regrouped in the second half, frequently breaking through Heath’s line before eventually levelling the score.
Joe Holdsworth was unlucky to be held up within a metre of the line after a strong drive down the wing. With Heath’s scrum half deemed offside the advantage was lost and play re-camped in Heath’s half for the remainder of the match before full-time blew on a 5-5 draw.
Man of the match was awarded jointly to Michael Reynolds, who played a storming game at fullback, and second rower Ben Choy.
