Honour in defeat for Hollinwood

DESPITE showing heap-loads of skill and commitment, Hollinwood lost 26-22 at unbeaten Hanging Heaton in Division Five of the Pennine League.

The local outfit, who arrived at Dewsbury with only 13 players, rallied to the cause against a home side hoping to maintain their position at the top of the table.

Hollinwood, playing down a steep slope in the first half, made the perfect start, with Pete Davis racing clear to score. Andy Gorey’s conversion attempt drifted wide of the posts.

It got better for the visitors moments later when Matty Holland provided the finishing touch to a neat passing move. Gorey, with the posts straight ahead, made no mistake this time.

Heaton replied with a couple of converted tries for a 12-10 lead, but when Alistair Williams charged on to a short pass to dive in — Gorey added the extras — the pendulum had swung back in Hollinwood’s favour.

With a four-point advantage, Hollinwood knew there was still plenty of work to do in the face of massive opponents charging down the slope.

However, the lead was stretched to 10 points when Gorey goaled a try from the impressive Jack Donbavand.

Heaton retaliated with a couple of converted tries to nose ahead again.

Playing out of their skins Hollinwood, for whom Ben Morris also stood out, thought they had snatched victory when Holland dived in, only for the referee to say that the player had been held up over the line.

Heaton worked their way down field, the ball was stripped in the tackle and the resultant penalty was successful.