Heath given scare by strugglers

After beating Old Brodleians the previous week, they might have lost had the visitors not had a try disallowed in the dying seconds, although the kick would have been from wide out.

Heath were without Chris Piper, Mark Sales and Ian Downsborough from the previous week against a Leeds side which included some quick Colts making their debuts.

A West Park winger romped over for an unconverted try in the first minute.

Olly Cook was held up just short of the try line as Heath responded and half backs Dominic Walsh and Jack Crabtree started to dictate play.

West Park put a penalty just wide but a superb kick from Ezra Hinchliffe sent Heath onto the attack and after Howard Hanks had snapped up lineout ball, he was driven over the try line but adjudged ‘held up’.

West Park survived from the resulting scrum and more constant pressure,

The visitors then threatened to get on top so coach Dave Harrison rang the changes for Heath, introducing Mark Puttick and Darren Neilly.

West Park had a charge-down try disallowed before Hinchliffe, Cameron Ramsden and Callum Harriett-Brown linked well.

Half time arrived with Heath still in contention but needing to improve against opponents handling and running almost with abandon.

The hosts improved but continued to draw a blank and Hinchliffe missed a relatively easy penalty.

After more changes and constant pressure, Cook was held up short. Then, following several scrums, Neilly and Josh White went close before Birkett finally sped over in the corner on 63 minutes. Hinchliffe converted for a 7-5 lead.

West Park were tiring but still regained the lead with a 72nd minute penalty.

However, the visitors failed to deal with Harriett-Brown’s clever kick through. White and Neilly got Cook very close before up popped Puttick to snatch the lead with a try in the corner.

Hinchliffe converted but Heath were relieved when the visitors were ruled offside after touching down in the corner.