Heath show grit with determined victory in Morpeth ahead of Ilkley clash
HEATH MARKED their first ever visit to Morpeth with a workmanlike 13-6 win that puts them joint-second in North One East.
The Heath pack made their presence felt in the early stages and after a drive to the line, Will McLaughlin popped up for a try on seven minutes.
Morpeth fought back and their first attack was rewarded with a penalty on 27 minutes to make it 5-3.
Five minutes into the second half and very much against the run of play, Morpeth were awarded another penalty and they edged into a one-point lead.
However, this spurred Heath into life and mounting pressure resulted in a penalty from Dan Cole on 57 minutes.
Tom Owen was held short of the line but when the ball eventually found Elliott Spiers, the winger scored a deserved try and Heath increased their lead to 13-6 with 15 minutes left.
Morpeth’s response was immediate but an easy penalty kick was missed and this helped Heath regain control.
When captain Chris Moore was yellow carded, Heath were down to 14 players with 10 minutes left but they held on to secure a valuable victory.
It has been three weeks since Heath’s last home game but this weekend they entertain leaders Ilkley in what promises to be a cracking game.
Coach Harrison was not pleased with the overall performance at Morpeth and he made his feelings known after the game but Saturday’s game will be a totally different challenge and Heath will have to be on top form to get anything from it.
Ilkley will arrive at North
Dean in confident mood but Heath have worked very hard in training this week and will be up for the challenge.
Hooker Alex McFadden is unavailable for the game due to a bicep injury and is replaced by Jack Pilcher.
There is also a starting berth alongside Fergus Marsden for Matt Beasty with Saif Boussadda, who has put in some solid performances in recent weeks, taking a place on the bench.
Also returning to action is Matt Hallett, who unfortunately missed the trip last week due to injury, with Luke Saltonstall returning to the second team.
Meanwhile, Heath Seconds are looking to bounce back from last weekend’s 21-12 loss to local rivals Old Rishworthians.
Matthew Wilkinson crashed over for the first try of the game but Rishies fought back to lead 7-5 at the interval.
The visitors extended their lead on the resumption before Heath were awarded a penalty try.
There’s no fixture confirmed for Heath’s second team but they are looking to set up a game to avoid a blank weekend.