Best display of season, despite defeat for Dinnington

Injuries and unavailability meant that Dinnington fielded a side far from full strength, and when they fell behind to a try in the first minute, they feared the worst.

But they battled back well against a Heath team chasing the National League, Yorkshire First Division title after winning nine of their first 11 games, and they now have every reason to go into their next three matches, against sides in similar mid-table positions, full of confidence.

A penalty increased the hosts’ lead to 8-0 and it wasn’t long before they were 15-3 up, courtesy of a converted try, with Jonny West kicking a penalty in reply.

The Dinnington recovery started ten minutes from half-time with a try from Rob Leivars, and when West kicked another penalty, the deficit was down to four points.

Remarkably, five minutes into the second period, the visitors found themselves 18-15 ahead after winning a penalty at the scrum, kicking to the corner and setting up a catch-and-drive for Dean McAulay to score.

Panicked Heath took their time to hit back, but levelled midway through the half before restoring the lead and then withstanding a late Dinnington rally.