Roundhegians

Old Rishworthians 24 – Roundhegians 31

Hegians went to Rishworthians in the most important game of the season as 1^st versus 2^nd in the league with only 2 points separating the teams. For Hegians, Alex Miyambo, Rory Wollaston and Andy Mulligan returned to the squad and Tom Priestley came in to make his debut for the 1^st team with Iain Adamson dropping out.

Hegians got off to a good start as they launched a series of attacks from the kick off. Playing at pace and recycling the ball quickly, Hegians were able to move the ball out wide and put both their wingers into space. Rishworthians were forced to defend and made some good tackles but it was only a matter of time before Hegians created a big overlap, allowing centre Elliot Jackson to dummy and go over to score the 1^st try. Alex Jones added the conversion to take Hegians into a 7-0 lead.

From the kick off Hegians were soon back on the attack with the forwards carrying the ball strongly with good runs from Dave Wilson, Ali Coe and Jonny Dobson allowing them to make good ground. Hegians almost scored from a good break by Alex Jones but the pass just fell short of Alex Miyambo.

In another attack Ali Coe dropped on a loose ball and forced his way upfield breaking several tackles before feeding the ball to Dave Gregory who was stopped just short of the line. This led to a series of attacks from Hegians allowing them to move the ball out wide down the left wing and after quickly recycling the ball moved it to the right to put winger Alex Miyambo in space who forced his way over in the corner. An excellent conversion from Alex Jones from out wide took Hegians into a 14-0 lead.

For the rest of the half Hegians continued to threaten to score again and it took some good defence from Rishworthians to keep them out. Hegians were winning good quality line out ball and were able to move the ball quickly. In addition, they were winning most of the collisions and this allowed them quick ball to launch a series of aattacks. On the stroke of half time Rory Wollaston made a good break from a Hegians line out. He passed to James Dobson in space and with a good overlap he attacked the line and with a couple of outrageous dummies he forced his way over the try line from 35 metres out to score a good individual try. With the successful conversion Hegians went to half time with a healthy 21-0 lead.

Half time Old Rishworthians 0 – Rondhegians 21

Hegians started the second half in control but still needed another try for the bonus point. For the next 10 minutes both teams tried to establish some territory. On 50 minutes Hegians were able  to score another good try. The ball was moved quickly   to  the right by Ewan Cameron through to Alex Miyambo who made good ground down the wing. When the ball was recycled James Dobson spotted hooker Tom Foxton on the left wing and a superb crossfield kick landed close enough for him to pick up. He was tackled close to the line but was able to pop the pass back to prop Jon Carter who forced his way over from 2 metres out. Some  people said say that the two front row players were only there as they were not keeping up with  play but experienced observers will know that they had just read the play  better than everyone else to take Hegians into a 26-0 lead.

With the game now virtually won Hegians took their foot of the pedal and Rishworthians started to raise their game and scored a try to take the score to 26- 5. For a while the game was stuck in midfield but Rishworthians were now gaining more territory and after a spell of pressure scored a second try to take the score to 26-12. Hegians felt they had to respond to this and came back up the field and James Dobson attempted a drop goal which fell short. However, from the restart the ball was moved to the left and Alex Jones scored a superb individual try showing pace and strength to score in the corner.

With the lead now 31-12 and only 10 minutes left the game was nearly finished but Rishworthians rallied to score a 3^rd try which took the score to 31-17. The rest of the game was played out in midfield with Hegians defending well. With the last play of the game Rishworthians scored a 4^th try and with the kick at goal being successful it took the final score to 31- 24 to Hegians with Rishworthians gaining 2 bonus points.

Final Score Old Rishworthians 24 – Roundhegians 31

This was  a good win for Hegians who dominated the whole of the first half racing into a 21-0 lead. Playing against the 2^nd in the league who were unbeaten at home  this season, Hegians finished as comfortable winners. This was  due to a good team performance with good contributions all round whicjh allowed  Hegians scored 5 well taken tries against a strong Rishworthians team.

This Saturday Hegians have another tough game at home to 3^rd place Ripon ko 2.15pm