Selection saw several changes, with Pete Atkinson, Ross Owen, Oliver Rothwell, Mark Steadman, Tom Battye and Richard Greaves all coming into the squad in place of Plevey, Holland, Walker, Elliott, Wallace & Miles – showing the strength in depth now available to coaches Peacey & Posa.

Despite the homes side enjoying the vast majority of the early possession and territory, handling errors at vital times meant that the game remained scoreless for the first 20 minutes. However, the pressure eventually proved too much when a wayward kick from the visitors was returned with interest by Steadman before he offloaded to the supporting Josh Fowler who raced in from 20 metres for the first try of the game.

Heath responded well to the set back, and after one penalty attempt drifted wide the visiting fly-half Ezra Hinchcliffe made no mistake with his second attempt to peg Phoenix back to 5-3.

That was to be the final score for the visitors though, as Phoenix continued to dominate possession for the remainder of the game. Deakin finished the first half off with a score after spotting a gap created by several Phoenix pick and go’s around the fringes, to take the half time score to 10-3.

The second half was all Phoenix, as Heath understandably tired as a result of travelling with a squad of just 15 players. The home forwards were beginning to make inroads into the Heath defence – with back rowers Adie Sheehan, Chris Planchant and Adam Kettle all carrying well. The first try of the half came after a driving maul was halted just short – when the ball came out to the backs a good wide pass from Steadman sent centre Andy Ellis over under the posts.

This was followed by the try of the day. A half break by scrum half Oliver Rothwell was carried on by Lowcock, before the ball was recycled and went out to Kettle who gave a nice inside pass to Fowler to go over for his second of the match.

With Heath visibly tiring the home side finished strongly with a deserved try for man of the match Nick Byrne, and prop Joe Lowcock rounding things off with a try right at the end of the game.