Ripon trial game - A good work out and final score.

A confident Heath Squad travelled North to Ripon, looking forward to their first proper run out of the season. And whilst a few regulars were missing, the line up still looked pretty sturdy as the team was tailored between the two 30 minute sessions and the final 20 minute engagement.

Heath’s standoff Giles Hetherington started the game and the hosts took possession and used it to attack the visitors from the off. This impressive start for Ripon received its first set back after five minutes, when Hetherington prodded the defensive line then unleashed winger Josh Lister for a well taken try out wide. Fullback Ben Littlewood converted well for a 7 – 0 lead to Heath.

The ball was fumbled from the restart, which reintroduced the pressure until relieved by a big clearance from Littlewood. Heath attempted to capitalise but the game ebbed and flowed for the next ten minutes, with only one chance being created, by winger Matt Baxendale, but this came to nothing when the pass inside didn’t find its target.

Some good breaks in the forwards, with Montgomery, Downsborough and Captain Eddie Blackmore prominent, kept things going Heath’s way but a loose ball on the ground was seized by Ripon’s number 11 who then scampered to the line for an unconverted try. 5 – 7 on 20 minutes. A score that remained until the first break.

Both sides then introduced new players and the game got underway again. The first score of this second period came from a link between centre Martin Shaw, who released the jinking Hetherington for a try between the home posts. Fullback Lomas converted for a 14 – 5 score. Next came a footrace between Olly Wilby, Matt Baxendale and the Ripon defence. Baxendale won and scored out wide, but this time the conversion was missed. 19 – 5 to Heath.

Ripon then came back with a sustained period of possession culminating with the ball coming down the back line to their number 14, who sprinted to score. Only a last ditch tackle from Lomas stopped 5 points coming the home side’s way, but, unfortunately, the Ripon player sustained a bad injury to his leg and play was held up for some time until he could be moved from the field of play.

After restarting, Heath were held in their own 22 for a period and pressure resulted in Hetherington touching down behind his own line on a couple of occasions. That said, they held out as both side’s play became a little ragged up to the whistle.

Teams were again shuffled for the final period and Heath were immediately in the ascendancy. The first try came from Si Brown, out wide, and whilst the extras weren’t taken from that conversion, they were with his and Heath’s next score. 31 – 5 to Heath. The final try of the game came in the dying seconds when Ripon breeched the Heath line for an unconverted score. 31 – 10 to Heath.

As a first run-out, Coaches Kevin Plant and Ian Spence were happy with the overall performance and result. Obviously the cobwebs needed blowing away but once settled the Heath side(s) looked slick in attack and solid in defence. Next preparation for the coming campaign will be Tuesday night, in a game under lights at West Vale, versus Old Brods.

Finally, a word of thanks to the Lads at Ripon, in particular Rob Addis, for the prematch hospitality. Appreciated.

Dated: 21/08/2010