Heath’s second-half display keeps them in touch at top
HEATH MAINTAINED their challenge at the top of North One East with a maximumpoint haul from their 35-17 home win over Morley on Saturday.
Eddie Cartwright stepped up to convert an early penalty that gave Heath the ideal start with five minutes gone and his kick forward led to the first try of the game, Dom Walsh chasing it down to score and put his side 8-0 up on 10 minutes.
The visitors reduced the arrears with a converted try five minutes later and Morley remained within a point going into the second half.
Stern words in the Heath dressing room at the break resulted in Elliott Spiers crossing in the corner and although Morley responded with a penalty, Callum Harriott-Brown touched down for an unconverted try just before the hour mark.
Heath went in search of the bonus point try with a quarter of the game to play and a superb move ended with Spiers going under the posts to round off the best try of the game. Cartwright converted and Heath led 25-10.
A catch and drive from a lineout allowed the Heath pack to drive forward and Jack Pilcher emerged to grab a fifth try, improved by Cartwright to make it 32-10.
Cartwright added a penalty to the tally and a last-gasp try from Morley did little to spoil the post match celebrations.
Fourth-placed Heath’s quest to secure a promotion spot continues on Saturday when they entertain Scarborough.
Old Brodleians were awarded a home win over bottom side Bradford and Bingley, who were unable to raise a team.
■ Old Crossleyans are still in the hunt for the Yorkshire One title after defeating rivals Old Rishworthian 29-9 in their final home game of the season.
Joe Gallagher put Crocs ahead with a penalty only for Rishworthians to go 9-3 up with three unanswered goals of their own.
Matthew Beswick crossed the whitewash for the opening try of the game but the home side still trailed 9-8 going into the second half.
It was one-way traffic on the resumption however and Crocs’ pressure resulted in tries for Rob Oliver, Boj Sembi and Joe Stott that wrapped-up victory and maximum points.
Crocs are one point behind leaders Middlesbrough with the two sides due to meet in a crucial top of the table clash on Wearside on Saturday, April 23