Report and Photos Heath v Rochdale. Sat 31st August.

HEATH IN CONTROL AS THEY EASE PAST A SPIRITED ROCHDALE SIDE  

Reporter:  Tom Walton

Scorers:  Jake Haynes 1 try  Tom Clough 2 try  Dan Cole 1 try  Max Rowntree 1 try  Callum Harriott-Brown 1 try   Alex McFadden 1 try  Alex Patrick 1 try Seif Boussaada 1 try  Jack Bruce 1 try
Chris Johnson 8 cons Joe Gallagher 1 con

Report:
Heath welcomed Rochdale to North Dean for a final game before the League season starts next Saturday and had a squad of twenty eight players taking part in a game of four twenty minute quarters. Conditions were ideal with the sun shining down on a superb looking pitch and the large crowd were hoping for a game to prepare them for the league openers and they were not to be disappointed.

Heath kicked off playing towards the Stainland Road end and early exchanges saw both sides trying to prise an opening in the defences but, following a surging run from the Tunisian Tank that is Saif Boussaada, Rochdale began to struggle and, following ill-discipline from the visitors, Jake Haynes popped over for the opening try, converted by Chris Johnson and Heath led 7-0 with 12 minutes played.

Rochdale's response was immediate and following some inept attempts at tackling from Heath they scored in the corner - a converted try to level the scores,7-7.

Heath re-grouped and when Tom Clough powered over. Johnson added the extras Heath re-took the lead 14-7 with 18 minutes played.

From the re-start Heath once again played some quality rugby with some slick passing and a superb off-load from Olly Cook saw Heath surge forwards as Dan Cole rounded off the move with another converted try and a score of 21-7 saw Heath end the quarter in control.

The second quarter saw a predominantly Hawks side take to the field and they quickly got into the game defensively as Rochdale looked for a score. The visitors pressure saw them score an unconverted try, 21-12 but the Hawks responded with their own brand of rugby and, following good work from Zac Thompson and Elliott Knight, Heath went in search of a score. Next up at the next scrum Heath demolished the Rochdale pack and when Carter Haigh went on a bruising run, making good yardage through the visitors defence, Joe Gallagher was on hand to put in a superb kick to find touch ten metres from the visitors try-line. Line out ball was won and with Hawks patiently keeping possession Max Rowntree finished off the move with a try, converted by Gallagher and a score of 28-12; just reward for their efforts.

Rochdale did come back into the game but the Hawks were in determined mood and there was no further score as the half time whistle sounded.  

The Heath side was mixed for the start of the third quarter and from the off they began to take command.  When Tom Clough picked up the ball on the half-way line he ran through several attempted tackles before scoring under the posts and an easy conversion from Chris Johnson saw a score of 35-12 with 43 minutes on the clock.

Rochdale, to their credit, kept battling and were rewarded with a try 35-17 but Heath were on a roll and when Dom Walsh linked up with Jake Haynes, the winger cut inside before releasing the supporting Chris Moore who charged forwards before being held up. Heath retained the ball and superb handling across their back-line saw Callum Harriott-Brown touch down in the corner. Johnson added the extras and Heath were in full control 42-17.

The home team were playing with confidence and, following an outrageous kick from Dom Walsh, which found touch in the corner, Ben Stringer won line out ball and Alex McFadden surged over with another converted try, 49-17.

In the final minutes of the third a massive kick from Dan Cole was not dealt with by the visitors defence and Heath pounced with Alex Patrick rounding off the move with another converted try, 56-19 as the whistle sounded.

The final quarter saw a couple of injuries early on for Heath but Seif Boussaada turned winger to power forty metres scoring a try in the corner 61-19.

Credit again to the visitors who kept battling and were rewarded with a try, 61-24.  They continued to press before Jack Bruce intercepted the ball and ran over for a try, converted by Joe Gallagher and a score of 68-24.

As full time approached Rochdale scored a try to finish the game 68-29. 

This was an excellent work out for both sides who put on a good show for the Heath and Rochdale faithful. Plenty to work on in the next seven days as Ilkley awaits for the opening league games of the season next Saturday. See you there!!!!!!!!!!