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Match Report,  Heath RUFC 13 – York RUFC 15

Match Report, Heath RUFC 13 – York RUFC 15

David Wells23 Jan 2016 - 18:46

York take four points in this close encounter. Photos by Rob Long.

Match Report, Saturday 23rd January 2016

Heath RUFC 13 – York RUFC 15

York travelled to Halifax to play Heath today. Both teams have had a mixed season and flounder in mid-table. The host side have had limited chance to rectify this over the last few months, with only two games, both losses, since the beginning of December. Indeed, Heath haven’t registered a win since 7th November. York on the other hand have had only one game postponed and have won both their games in 2016. So, York had every reason to think that a win was possible.

Under grey but bright skies and a light wind, the game kicked off with Heath’s pitch holding up well, given the flooding issues that have troubled the local area. York were first to get on the scoreboard, as Liam Hessay converted a penalty on Heaths 22m line. Although playing up the slope and against what little wind there was, York showed good ambition in the opening phases of the game and kept hold of the majority of the ball. The York scrum provided a solid platform and the forwards charged well in the tight exchanges. Mortimer and Fox in particular making ground. In the backs, Hessay and Davies kicked well out of hand and kept Heath pinned back. Winger Dunlop worked tirelessly in both defence and attack, latching onto the chips through and creating a number of chances.

However, it was the other York winger, Nicholson, who crossed for the first try. Livewire scrumhalf Atkin took a quick penalty to up the tempo and Hessay kicked through to gain ground. Strong chasing by Nicholson put him ahead of the defenders and he skilfully half-volleyed the bouncing ball towards to the tryline. A clean pair of heels then allowed him to chase the ball and touch down for an excellent try. Hessay added the extra’s to give York a 10 – 0 lead.

York did not have it all their own way and as the first half came to an end as Heath pushed hard and York’s concentration levels were tested. Unfortunately for York, they were unable to maintain their ten point advantage and in the final few minutes of the first half, centre Peace was yellow carded for an accumulation of penalties. Heath, ignoring the potential for three points, used the numerical advantage to score a try out wide. Going into the break, the score was Heath 5 – York 10. Whilst York had played some good rugby and done a lot of things to be pleased about, some of their decision making at the breakdown was dubious and they missed opportunities to execute safe exits from their own 22.

York received the ball from the kick-off in the second half and built five good phases before kicking through to the Heath 22. Unfortunately this controlled play didn’t last long and a York infringement allowed Heath to work out of their own half and press up-field. The home side were highly motivated to add to their first try as York were still down to 14. A series of strong dives by Heath were kept out by stout York defence and a final charge to the line was held up. York’s previously sound scrum failed at this key moment and Heath took a ball against the head to release their backs with Harriet-Brown crossing out wide. Luckily for York, the conversion was again missed to give a 10 all score.

Neither side managed to secure a real grip on the game as possession and territory was shared: York’s Dawes, Hessay and Davies kicked well from hand and Heath’s forwards (in particular Number 8 White) drove well. Heath made the better of their possession and drew a penalty within kicking range. This time the kick was converted and Heath took the lead for the first time in the game (13 – 10).

York spurred on by the loss of the lead, used their forwards to grind their way up-field, with Britland making a number of strong charges. The York forwards were awarded a five meter scrum and took the opportunity to put in their strongest drive, marching the home eight back over their own line and allowing Britland to touch down. Although the conversion was missed, York had re-gained the lead 13 – 15.

In the final 10 minutes Heath looked the stronger of the two sides and York did well to hold on to their narrow advantage. This was made even more difficult as the usually mild-mannered prop Norris was shown red with less than five minutes to go. Norris allegedly questioned the referee’s independence, giving him very little option but to show him his marching orders. To be fair, the referee had a very solid game and the back chat by Norris was a shock to all. Heath did have a chance to take the game with a drop goal in the dying seconds but as the ball slewed wide, York were able to take their time over the 22 drop out and actually send Dunlop on another promising run before the final whistle blew.

York will be grateful for the win and whilst there were some good individual performances, the team were a little clunky at times in their decision making. Players of note were winger Dunlop, scrum-half Atkin and the industrious Mortimer in the backrow. Heath on the other hand will rue missed chances and think that this result is one that just got away from them.

Next Saturday, York play host to West Park Leeds who although occupy the bottom spot in the league, beat Hullensians today.

https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/yorkrufc/photos/heath-v-york-23rd-january-2016-642295.html

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