Heath edge home against Hullensians

Heath travelled to Hull for the first of three away games in the next four against opponents on the East Coast, running out 20-10 winners over Hullensians in Yorkshire One.

Heath made a superb start when a break from Jack Sheldrake released Eddie Cartwright, whose clever reverse pass to the supporting Sheldrake produced Heath’s first try and a 5-0 lead.

Heath’s effort was brilliant and when Dom Walsh picked up a ball on the 10 metre line he cleverly kicked through and the ball bounced kindly for him to run over unopposed for Heath’s second try, which Jordan Bradbrook converted for a 12-0 scoreline.

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On 14 minutes, Hullensians made their first real attack when a hole appeared in the visitors’ defence. Clever work by Cartwright and Bradbrook prevented a score. Shortly afterwards, the home side were awarded a penalty but the chance was missed.

Heath came back with fly half James Robson and centre Lewis Barrett involved in getting Heath going forward.

However, a rare break from Hullensians enabled wingman Josh Langford to score a fine try in the corner which was not converted.

Ryan Hunter was doing sterling work in the lineout to release Robson and Walsh got a pass to Hinchliffe. Hullensians gave away a penalty, which Hinchliffe converted, leaving Heath 15-5 ahead after 25 minutes.

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In a rare Hullensians attack, Hunter won opposition lineout ball for Heath. Solid defence from the Heath pack allowed them to clear their lines but constant pressure from Hullensians eventually resulted in Ryan Baron powering over for their second try after slick passing created a chance, cutting their deficit to 15-10.

As half time approached, Heath responded with a clever kick from Cartwright with the home side having to take it dead. At the scrum, Richard Brown, Oliver Cook and Tom Baxter all went close but Hullensians held on until the half time whistle.

Jordan Moana came on for Heath, making his First XV debut, when he replaced Howard Hanks, to bolster the scrum.

The visitors began the second half as they had ended the first, with fast flowing rugby. Only the referee’s ruling of a forward pass denied Sheldrake his second try, on 45 minutes. Heath continued playing 15-man rugby, keeping the ball in hand as they looked to carve open the home defence.

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On 50 minutes, Cartwright was injured clearing an Hullensians attack. Hanks was brought back on the wing, Sheldrake moved into the centre and Hinchliffe went to fullback.

Now it was the home team exerting all the pressure. Emlyn James came on for Alex McFadden and he was soon involved in the tackling stint close to Heath’s try line as they hung on to prevent the home team from scoring. It was a real battle as Heath worked hard to retain their lead.

Hinchliffe put in a towering kick for touch, eventually, much to the relief of all the Heath contingent. With minutes left, Sheldrake went over in the corner for Heath’s third try to seal a thoroughly-deserved win.

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