Heath undone in the closing stages as Driffield prevail
HEATH CONCEDED two tries in the closing stages as they suffered a disappointing 22-10 loss at Driffield.
Heath were forced to make several changes to their team due to injury, work commitments and holidays. In the forwards, Mark Puttick came in for Jack Pilcher and in the backs, Matt Hallett and Luke Saltonstall returned with Eddie Cartwright and Tom Owen both injured. On the bench sat veteran Ian Downsborough alongside Olly Cook and new signing Harry Woollard.
Heath had the much better start as the home side struggled and the first 20 minutes was enthralling as both sides adapted to the pace of the game.
It was Driffield who scored first with an unconverted try on 22 minutes but Heath’s response was immediate and following a darting run from Luke Saltonstall and slick interplay between Matt Hallett and Callum Harriett-Brown, the latter cruised over the line for a converted try on the half hour.
The game was now developing into a real battle and there was no further score in the first half as the contest remained in the balance.
Play became camped in midfield at the start of the second half but the deadlock was broken on 55 minutes when Driffield converted a penalty.
With 20 minutes left to play the game was still there to be won and Ben Stringer went on a surging run but was halted illegally by a Driffield player who was sent to the sin-bin.
Heath pushed for a score and the break through came with five minutes left on the clock, when Matt Hallett kicked a penalty to put his side 10-8 up.
However, the lead was short lived as Driffield found a huge gap in the Heath defence to score under the posts with the game now into added injury time.
Heath went in search of a try but a mistake on the half way line was pounced on by Driffield and in the last play of the game the home side ran in a third converted try.
Heath must now re-group and prepare for Saturday’s huge game when they entertain derby rivals and league leaders Old Brodleians.