We are pleased to give a warm welcome this weekend to the players, officials and supporters of our friends from West Vale in the latest instalment of our battle to secure the Dave Littlefair trophy.

Heath have a 100% record in retaining this cup since its inception 2 years ago and there is no additional motivation needed for either side to raise their game in what will no doubt be another close encounter.

Both clubs have had a good start to the season with maximum points in the bank. Our boys will be looking to back up the Shield performance when perhaps the West Vale boys were struggling with a hangover from the play-off game at West Hartlepool. Obviously both clubs are striving to challenge for promotion and a minimum of a top 4 finish. From our point of view consistency and discipline will be the key to improvement and both sides first real test of the season.

Last weekend’s victory at Hullensians was hard fought and very pleasing bearing in mind the difficulties we have faced at that ground over the years. Similarly the home win over Bev was pleasing in the way we dominated the game for long periods and took our chances against another side aiming for a top four finish.

The twos will be entertaining Heath 2s Saturday afternoon too here at Woodhead and although our boys struggled last week at Cleckheaton, due to some unavailabilities, we will be back to good numbers this Saturday with several returning Cricketers etc.

We are sending a bus full of Beavers to Wharfedale which will no doubt be a tough game but then returning for a certain 60th birthday for CJ who I trust will be dressed appropriately for his big night at The Botts .

It’s going to be a busy weekend here at Woodhead with the added interest around the World Cup. We’ll be showing three cracking matches with, on Saturday, All Blacks v The Boks (10.45am kick-off) and on Sunday, Ireland v Scotland (8.45am) and England v Tonga (11.15am).

On Sunday we have several games during the day starting with the Under 14s at 9.30 am who will be playing Stockport followed by the 13s who will also face Stockport Ko 10.30. I would suggest that you arrive early to reserve your spot, grab the breakfast of choice and I find a pint of Guinness goes down rather well with a Bacon Buttie. Food will be available all day and let’s hope that England keep their part of the bargain by putting on a good performance against what could be a tough game with Tonga ……. By the way our very own Tongan Joe K will be performing his “HAKA” with our Tots rugby squad before training ….. let’s see what they make of that !!

Intermediate Cup
Finally received details of the draw …see fixtures in the programme. More comment next time.