By Richard Sykes

Huddersfield RUFC got back to winning ways with a solid 38-24 victory over near neighbours Heath at Lockwood Park.

The home side built up 12-0 lead in the first 10 minutes thanks to a penalty try and a corner flag snipe by Fin Stewart.

Although Heath hit back and went briefly in front, a sensational score by Kian Stewart on the stroke of half-time put Huddersfield back on track.

Further scores by Lewis Workman and Max Horsfall shortly after the break added to their 19-17 half-time lead and secured the try bonus, with a match clincher by lock Thiu Barnard on 74 minutes securing the win.

A converted try by Heath close to full-time provided a late reward for their industrious contribution to the match.

Field’s penalty try came two minutes into the game. Kian Stewart made a clear left-wing break and when Heath full-back Chris Johnson knocked on Stewart’s try making inside pass, referee Tom Hurdley sent Johnson to the bin and awarded Field the seven points.

Field continued to push forward and when the ball was worked wide to Fin Stewart on the right flank he stepped neatly inside from the touchline to dot down in the corner.

Having dominated possession in the early stages a careless knock-on by Field from the restart gave Heath their first spell with ball in hand. It finished with a left-wing try by Callum Harriet-Brown which Johnson converted from a difficult angle.

Although Field produced a positive attacking spell in response to the setback they were punished when they lost an attacking lineout.

A penalty to Heath and a good run down the right wing by Elliot Knight took play into Field’s 22. Field prop Ethan Myers saw yellow as Field desperately tried to defend their line with Heath hooker Alex McFadden eventually crossing it for a try which Johnson converted to give Heath the lead.

Johnson spent two spells with Huddersfield and the 38-year-old has lost none of his ability to marshal a backline and kick from place or hand.

A clever crossfield kick kept the pressure on the home side and when they were penalised at a break down Johnson extended the lead with a kick at goal that was made 10 metres easier when referee Hurdley punished Field for back chat.

Heath’s imposing spell was brought to an end in stoppage time when Kian Stewart intercepted a pass and raced the full length of the pitch for his spectacular try behind the posts which Milner converted to bring the half to an end.

The late first half try not only restored Field’s lead but gave them back momentum. Two minutes into the second half skipper Liam Parfitt and Fin Stewart combined to make ground and Workman bagged Field’s second try running an inside line.

Ten minutes later Field were awarded a penalty at a scrum and although Milner was off target with his 35-metre attempt, centre Horsfall powered through after the return kick for his try which Milner did convert.

Having moved from full-back to fly-half Johnson continued to shape Heath’s go forward, helping to fashion a promising spell which ended with a careless knock-on.

Thereafter Field regained match control. Milner’s astute kicking from hand put Heath on the back foot and good tackling and gritty determination at the breakdown kept the pressure on the visitors.

Pack power on the try line earned Barnard his try and Milner’s conversion put the icing on the cake. To Heath’s credit they hit back.

A penalty took play to Field’s 5 metre line but although they lost the lineout they maintained pressure.

Field scrum-half Matty Briggs was shown the yellow card and after a tap penalty Johnson produced a flick pass to open a gap for Ezra Hinchliffe to nip through for a try which Johnson converted.

At the death Johnson intercepted a long pass with open ground in front of him but his 38 years were exposed and he was hauled down 20 metres into his sprint by a couple of Huddersfield’s pacemen.

Huddersfield are next in action on Saturday November 30 when they visit Ilkley.

Huddersfield: Workman; Stewart F; Barber; Horsfall; Stewart K; Milner; Briggs; Myers; Moore; Sanderson; Christian; Barnard; Whagarei; Heywood; Parfitt. Replacements: Tyne; Dalton; Patterson.

Image by: RAY MORRIS