Heath back in business with victory over Wests in Yorkshire One

Coach Dave Harrison once again rotated the squad giving starts to Paul Turner and Fergus Marsden and welcoming back Ezra Hinchliffe at centre with Willie Tufui moving onto the wing.

It was a torpid start to the game as both sides tested each other out but after 10 minutes the visitors made a breakthrough with a well worked move as second row Will Betts steamed through a rather fragile Heath defence for a try. Ryan Hoey added the extras for a 7-0 lead.

Heath were struggling to come to terms with the pace of the game but a clever kick from Dan Cole was carried over the try-line by West Leeds resulting in a five metre scrum and Heath’s first real chance of a score on 20 minutes.

Alex Patrick showed real control as the scrum moved forwards and as the ball came out Willie Tufui was on hand to touchdown in the corner, 7-5, 22 minutes played.

Usually this would spark life into Heath but it was West Leeds who came straight back and, following several mistakes from the home side, increased their lead with a penalty, 10-5.

On came Olly Cook and Saif Boussadda and the effect was immediate as Heath, at last, began to keep hold of the ball and go through the phases.

Tufui and Cook went close before the ball came out to Chris Moore who went over in the corner for a second try. Ezra Hinchliffe added the extras and Heath led for the first time 12-10.

However, West Leeds were not finished and converted yet another penalty on the stroke of half time to re-take the lead 13-12.

Heath began the second half strongly. West Leeds were struggling to contain the home side and, following several scrums, Alex Patrick looked to have scored a try but this was ruled out by the referee who judged a double movement.

Further pressure from Heath resulted in a converted penalty from Ezra Hinchliffe, 15-13, with 47 minutes played.

But Heath continued to make mistakes and West Leeds gained the lead again with a penalty, 16-15.

Heath needed to respond but seemed to be running out of ideas as Si Brown came on for Eddie Cartwright and coach Harrison’s options were used up.

With time running down West Leeds were looking good for the win, despite the efforts of the home side, who needed a break.

This came on 70 minutes as West Leeds tried to clear the ball to touch, Dan Cole charged down the ball and scored a try, converted by Ezra Hinchliffe, and Heath led 22-16.