Crocs get the better of Heath

Old Crossleyans U15 vs Heath U15

Heath U15s made the short trip to local rivals Old Crossleyans for Round 2 of the Yorkshire Cup. The conditions were wet and cold, with Heath playing into a fair breeze.

First Half

The opening exchanges were evenly matched, both sides pushing into opposition territory with positive rugby. In the eighth minute, Crocs struck first with an unconverted try.

Score: Crocs 5 – 0 Heath

Heath were forced into early changes when scrum-half Lennon Woods left the field unwell. Will Carter moved into the nine shirt, Thomas Crowther shifted from flanker to centre, and Ben Ingham came off the bench to cover flanker.

Heath’s scrum held the upper hand, but slow ball limited opportunities for the back line. Credit went to Crocs’ well-drilled defence, though at times their eagerness spilled into late challenges.

After 15 minutes, Crocs crossed again.

Score: Crocs 10 – 0 Heath

The remainder of the half became a physical arm wrestle. Heath lost Sonny Gordon following a head knock, reducing both sides to 14 players.

Half-time: Crocs 10 – 0 Heath

Second Half

Heath remained in the contest, knowing a single score could turn momentum. Ethan Murphy impressed, covering both fly-half and fullback roles. Captain Jasper Haigh led the forwards with strong work at the breakdown, though decisions around the ruck didn’t fall Heath’s way.

Crocs extended their lead early in the second half.

Score: Crocs 15 – 0 Heath

As conditions worsened, scrums dominated the play. Heath continued to compete strongly at the set piece but struggled to translate pressure into attacking possession. With six minutes left, Crocs sealed the result with their fourth try.

Final Score: Crocs 20 – 0 Heath

Closing Moments

The match ended in ugly fashion as tempers flared, with players from both sides involved in a brawl that even drew in members of the Crocs bench.

Crocs deservedly progressed in the Yorkshire Cup top tier, while Heath drop into the second tier, with their next cup fixture scheduled for 14 December.

Man of the Match: Ethan Murphy