Heath triumph in gruelling battle at rivals Cleckheaton
HEATH MOVED up to fifth spot in North East One with a hardfought 19-14 victory at near neighbours Cleckheaton.
Heath’s defence faced an early onslaught but their defence held firm and eventually the visitors managed to push back into the visitors’ half.
However, Cleckheaton hit back and they took advantage when Heath’s Jonny Cole was sent to the sin-bin, scoring a converted try on 27 minutes that proved to be the only score of the first half.
It was a different Heath side who came out for the second half and when Cleck lost a player to the sin-bin, it was the visitors who turned the screw, resulting in a penalty try 10 minutes after the restart.
Olly Cook replaced Paul Turner and from the restart a resurgent Heath went in search of adding to their tally.
And it came just four minutes later. Elliott Spiers and Ben Stringer gained important yardage before releasing Ollie Scrimshaw and his inside pass to the supporting Jonny Cole saw him fly over the line for a second try to Heath, converted by Eddie Cartwright.
The home side were stunned but soon fought back and both sides lost players to injuries as they battled for ascendancy.
However, it was Heath who secured a third try when Saif Boussadda barged over in the corner to make it 19-7.
Cleckheaton were not prepared to lie down and came back strongly with a converted try to set up a tense finish.
Despite the frantic efforts of the home side Heath dug in to claim another dramatic win.
Heath seconds’ clash with their Cleckheaton counterparts was equally close but they lost out 31-26.
Matthew Wilkinson scored an early try converted by Richard Cole but the visitors replied with three tries before Mark Puttick crossed in reply.
Cleck crossed again before the break but tries from Oli Burbidge and Mark Puttick, goaled by Cole, levelled the scores at 26-26.
However, it was Cleck who found the winning try.
ONLINE: Visit our website for more of the latest sports news