Bright start for Heath

Dewsbury Moor 17 CRUSADERS made a bright start to their National Conference League campaign.

But the final scoreline doesn't fully reflect their superiority. Heath dominated the opening quarter and should have more to show for their efforts than an unconverted try by right winger Phil Glover -- after good work by centre Paul Coope and prop Dave Smith -- and a penalty goal by stand-off Barry Ashall.

But Dewsbury hit back with a try by substitute Paul Kayle and two goals by centre Steve Beard to lead 8-6.

The second quarter saw chances at both ends but a combination of good defence and poor handling meant there was no addition to the scoreline until the 39th minute when a Kayle drop goal made it 9-6 to the Yorkshiremen at the break.

Dewsbury increased their advantage early in the second half with a penalty but Heath quickly replied with a Darren Mitchell try following a good drive and pass by second-row Ste Marsh.

And the home side regained the lead on 56 minutes when, after a quickly-taken tap penalty, substitute Chris Honey drew the cover before sending Coope in at the corner with Ford adding the touchline conversion.

A fine break by Mitchell and good handling sent winger Mike Woods in for Heath's fourth try. And Mitchell touched down again himself shortly afterwards after fine inter-play between Smith and substitute Darren Harris opened up the Dewsbury defence. Woods converted. And Heath made sure of victory on 73 minutes, with the influential Harris again splitting the defence to send Honey in at the posts, giving Woods another easy two-pointer.

Dewsbury grabbed a late consolation try by Kayle, converted by Beard.

Heath's man-of-the-match, chosen by new kit sponsors, Marple Computers, went to Darren Mitchell, just ahead of hard-working loose-forward David Lloyd and Smith.

This week Heath travel to Normanton Knights, coach leaves The Springfield at noon.