Yarnbury's young side are overpowered by Heath

YARBURY had six colts players in their side as they took on an experienced Heath outfit in their opening Yorkshire One game of the season at Brownberrie Lane.

With a number of the experienced players unavailable, the youngsters were given their chance and the early signs were good.

Yarnbury took the game to their opponents in exhilarating style and last-season's leading try scorer Ellis Gomersall was pulled down just short of the line.

The opening try came minutes later when the aggressive Eddie Van Heel ran between the Heath centres to touch down. Jarrad Huss converted for a 7-0 lead.

Debutant prop Dom Goldthorpe and skipper Oliver Cashman made some good runs before Yarnbury scored their second try.

Hooker Harry Mincella marked his first game by breaking clear of the Heath pack on a run into opposition territory before a subtle reverse pass sent supporting winger Gomersall scampering to the posts. The conversion by Huss made it 14-0.

Heath gathered themselves and began to pin the home side back as they used their big forwards to to make ground.

Yarnbury could not clear their lines and when they were penalised for killing the ball, the Heath pack drove over the line for their first try by No8 Darren Nealy.

A repeat move just before the break saw flanker Ian Downsborough claim the touchdown and centre Ezra Hinchcliffe add the conversion.

Heath realised they had the edge in the pack and took the lead early in the second half. The forwards provided the opportunity for full back Jack Sheldrake to score.

The size and power of the Heath forwards was proving the dominant factor in the game. Flanker Ian Downsborough went over for a try from close in which Hinchcliffe converted.

This was followed by a Heath break out from a desperate Yarnbury attack and speedy winger Calum Harroitt-Brown went the length of the field to rub salt in the Horsforth side's wounds.Hinchcliffe converting from wide on the left.

Yarnbury had the best of the final quarter but numerous penalties in favour of the home side were repulsed by an organised defence before Hinchcliffe, Heath's outstanding back, weaved his way in at the corner to extend the Heath lead before further Yarnbury pressure ensured a consolation from flanker Tom Gilchrist. Huss landed the conversion on the whistle.

A terrific effort from a young side against a big pack in a division which could well be semi-professional this season with many new recruits from home and abroad.