Last Saturday, Guisborough RUFC welcomed Heath RUFC, who travelled up from Halifax for this vital game looking to keep momentum going in their quest to move up the table with another maximum point win. Guisborough had yet to win this season so Heath were hopeful of securing the points but they were made to work hard all game as the Priorymen kept up the battle to keep in the game.

In blustery conditions, Heath began the game brightly giving little opportunity for Guisborough to get possession of the ball and after several near misses, following probing runs from Olly Cook and Chris Moore, it was left to the backs for a quick ball leaving Eddie Cartwright to smash over the line for an opening try on 6 minutes, converted by Ezra Hinchliffe, and the visitors led 7-0. Heath continued to probe the home side’s defence and Guisborough were clinging on to prevent further scores. However, to their credit they prevented any further score and when Fergus Marsden was sin-binned for a high tackle, they were rewarded with a converted try on 25 minutes to level the scores.

From the re-start Heath kicked deep and Guisborough dropped the ball. Dan Cole found touch in the corner and from the line-out Heath were in control driving forwards and Cole popped up for a second try, converted again by Hinchliffe, and Heath led 14-7 with 28 minutes played. Guisborough were going forwards yet again and Heath were under pressure and in a couple of minutes Guisborough were rewarded again with a converted try and with the scores level 14-14 the referee blew for half time.

Heath started the game looking to up their game and a penalty from Ezra Hinchliffe on 47 minutes saw a score of 17-14 and constant pressure saw Heath begin to wear down their opponents. With the wind increasing Heaths scrum began to control the game over the next 15 minutes and it came as no surprise to the travelling supporters to see Alex McFadden score a try, again converted by Hinchliffe, and Heath were moving clear, 24-14, with a quarter of the game to play. In control at the scrums this enabled Heath’s Michael Reynolds, Dan Cole and Ezra Hinchliffe to constantly probe the home sides defence and it came as no surprise to see Eddie Cartwright scoot over for a bonus point try, converted by Hinchliffe, and the game seemed secure at 31-14 with 10 minutes left to play. However, Guisborough would not lie down and scored a try on 75 minutes but Heath were not to be beaten and they wound the clock down in style to win 31-19.