Convincing victory fails to overhaul table toppers
Seven fine tries and a maximum-point haul wasn’t enough for Heath as they were pipped to the Regional 1 North East title on the final day of the season.
Heath went into Saturday’s trip to Ilkley in second place, behind leaders Harrogate and hoping that the table toppers would slip up in their final match.
And despite signing off with a 48-28 away win, Heath had to settle for runners-up spot as Harrogate clinched the title with a 45-27 home success against Driffield.
It was Ilkley who drew first blood when a dropped ball on half-way was scooped up and returned up field for a converted try with only five minutes on the clock.
Heath hit back and after Chris Johnson found touch in the corner, Ben Stringer soared to collect line-out before sending Olly Cook over for a try converted by Johnson midway through the first half.
Five minutes later and the visitors were ahead. Saif Boussaada went close before Josh Crickmay was on hand to score an unconverted try.
The lead was extended again five minutes later and a superb interception from
Callum Harriott-Brown put him under the posts, Ezra Hinchliffe adding the extras, to put Heath 19-7 ahead.
Heath were playing some superb rugby and an outrageous dummy from Dom Walsh saw him side step attempted tackles to waltz over the try-line for the bonus point try, converted by Johnson, 26-7 with 35 minutes gone.
The onslaught continued and Joe Morrison set off on a jinking run before he supporting Peter Hampshire was on hand to collect the ball and shoot over the line, Hinchliffe converting.
There was still time for Johnson to land a penalty to extend the lead to 36-7 at the break.
Morrison added a converted try early in the second half but Ilkley fought back with two converted scores that made it 41-21 with 15 minutes left.
Harriott-Brown responded with his second try of the game and although Ilkley completed the scoring with a late converted try, Heath had done enough to secure a convincing win.
Heath will now turn their attentions to the Papa John’s Cup competition with a visit to Bridgnorth in the West Midlands this week followed by a home game against Rossendale at the end of the month.