Mixed form on display from Heathens

The first half of this re-arranged Courage Best merit table fixture proved to be a closely contested encounter with the OGs backline just shading a strong performance from the Heathens pack with an outstanding lineout contribution from the youthful Josh Evans playing on the flank.

OGs took the lead on 17 minutes with a try that was well converted from the touchline. This was extended to 14 points with a second converted try on 25 minutes. Heathens responded with a minute of the half remaining when following some sustained pressure on the visitors try line, hooker Daryl Richards went over for a try that was converted by stand off Andy Jefferson to make the score 7-14 at the interval.

The second half opened with a further OGs converted try after 47 minutes. Heathens then lost their direction and began to miss first up tackles allowing the opposition space to run at them. This resulted in an avalanche of unanswered scores on 57, 60 and 62 minutes, the second of which was converted. The hosts then rallied with debutant youngsters Brett Robertson in the centre putting in some crunching tackles and Dean Lake impressing with a man of the match performance at fullback.

Heathens managed to exert some pressure of their own and Daryl Richards claimed his second try of the afternoon on 69 minutes that went unconverted. The OGs then managed 2 further tries on 74 and 80 with the second being converted. The game went well into time added on following a nasty Achilles tendon injury sustained by Heathens prop Rob Walker which allowed OGs to secure their final try of the afternoon [unconverted] on 85 minutes to make the final score 12-55 in a well refereed match.

Next Saturday Heathens remain in merit table action when they travel to Sharnbrook & Colworth hoping that they take the positives of the OGs encounter with them.