Heath U8s battle hard in the Derby.

Heath Minis welcomed their opposite numbers from Old Rishworthians to HQ on a traditionally wet morning.

The 8s set up with 5 players, but with Rish kindly loaning a player to ensure even numbers. The game started with strong carries by Tommy Moore, Austin Longbottom and the loaned player Solomon seizing opportunitiesout wide. Heath made a few errors and the more experienced Rish players took advantage to score a few excellent trys.

 Theodore Sixsmith-Burbidge capitalised on the platform   set by carries from Tommy and Austin to score a try. 

 Austin was the next Heathen to cross the line with strong running off Angus Taylor and Franklin Lawton, ever eager to pass, put him in a great position.

Franklin and Theodore both set a defensive store out early with impressive line speed into the oncoming Rishworthian runners.

Tommy was desperately unlucky not to score after a full pitch length run, just losing control of the ball short of the try line. Rishworthians continued to show confidence and determination, with hard carries pressuring the Heath Defense. Austin, Franklin, Theodore and Tommy all made great individual tackles with Angus teaming up to pressure the runners coming his way back into the rest of the team's defensive line.

The players showed a strong desire to play attractive aggressive rugby, sometimes too much, as heaths ball carriers showed a solid determination to go into,  and through, the defending players rather than attack into space, and passes would sometimes go awry leading to quick turnovers, Rishworthian breaks and trys.

Angus continued to show strong determination with his carrys and was a key part in setting up Heath's move of the Match.

His initial run drew in defenders and gave space for Austin who carried hard, this in turn creating space for Tommy to carry right up to the try line before a last ditch tackle stopped him short, but his quick thinking allowed him to pass to the supporting Theodore who now had no defenders between him and the try line to dot down for a try. 

Rishworthians swapped their player Solomon for another, Bear, and the game moved into it's last period. Heath toiled hard in defence, and showed a willingness to attempt positive plays in attack with passes and strong runs. Austin, Tommy and Theodore all adding scores. The game came to an end after another attempt at a positive move, a pass perfectly intercepted saw Rishworthians score the last try of the game.

Every player did Heath proud, their attitudes and effort were fantastic and showed the amazing potential this group of players has. Some great trys set up off team effort and the begins of a really positive defensive attitude show the future is bright.

It's back to training at brooksbank on Thursday night and this game will only give the players a hunger to improve.