Merit Table Victory for Heathens

Words & Photos Courtesy: Sasha Lees

There was little shape from either side during the opening stages of this Estrella Damm merit table fixture with plenty of movement but no points. Men’s Own opened the scoring with a converted try on 16 minutes to which The Romany based Heathens responded on the 34th minute with a try from number eight, Dan Stonehouse and conversion from skipper and hooker Craig Wilson to level the scores.

On 41 minutes a Heathens’ penalty rebounded off a post to be collected by centre Joe Yeo who crossed for a try that also was converted by Craig Wilson. Despite playing against the wind Heathens finished ahead at half time [7-14].

Craig Wilson extended the visitors lead two minutes after the restart with a penalty [7-17]. With the wind advantage in the second half Heathens number 10, Richard Williams managed to put in some strong kicks and Heathens further added to their points tally with a second Dan Stonehouse try on 48 minutes only for Craig Wilson’s kick to rebound yet again making the score 7-22.

Strong play from centres Gareth Ivett and Joe Yeo plus winger Jake Doyle stood out and the pack’s strength, including that from prop Andy Evans, proved to be a strong influence throughout. The Romany based Heathens final points came courtesy of a try from scrum half Toby Welford [who made his club debut the previous week against BBOB] and Wilson’s conversion. Strong performances from Joe Yeo and Toby Welford earned them a joint man of the match award.

Mens Own had the final say of the afternoon when on 70 minutes they crossed for a converted try that left the final score of 14-29 at the whistle.

Next week Heathens are away in friendly action against Rushden & Higham Social 3rd XV with a 2:15 kick-off.