Plant calls time on his Heath stint

Kevin Plant, the longest serving head coach at Calderdale’s six rugby union clubs, has stepped down after nine seasons at Heath. The North Dean club gave the former Yorkshire stand-off a winning send-off by beating Hullensians 26-17 away in Yorkshire One last Saturday.

Plant was appointed director of rugby at the club for the 2006/2007 season with a remit to gain promotion from Yorkshire Two.

Heath claimed the runners-up slot behind Selby in Plant’s first season and have had eight seasons in Yorkshire One since.

The firsts have played 221 league games under Plant, winning 105, drawing six and losing 110.

Heath spokesman Tom Walton said Plant deserved a big thank you for helping to establish Heath as a club with a lot of admirers.

“During his time we have seen many changes both on and off the field but he has maintained great dignity throughout and has been a credit to the club.”

In superb conditions at Hullensians, Heath were boosted by an early try from Dom Walsh, converted by Ezra Hinchliffe.

The Heath pack earned a penalty for Hinchliffe to make it 0-10 but Sheldrake was sinbinned and the hosts pulled back three points.

Heath defended well, helped by several huge clearances from Hinchliffe, who then restored Heath’s 10-point lead

Hullensians had a player yellow carded for punching and Walsh scored his second try for an 18-3 interval lead,.

Heath were put under the cosh and a converted try put the hosts back in the game.

Hinchliffe made it 10–21 on 48 minutes but Hullensians broke down the wing, scored in the corner and added an excellent conversion.

Jacob Storey’s try on 66 minutes made the game safe before a scrappy ending.