Heath’s talented U14 squad took a road trip this weekend in search of fresh challenges and found it in the form of Cirencester RFU. Building on a relationship which started four years ago, Heath’s youngsters were looking to wrestle back a trophy which they and Cirencester have been competing for annually. The fixture had extra spice given that Cirencester won the shield for the first time last year at Whitemans Green. A rare loss on home turf gave the U14s the motivation they needed as they headed down the M4.

After an entertaining afternoon and evening on Saturday the touring party took to the field on Sunday morning in bright but very windy conditions, ready for what would prove to be one of the tougher matches the U14s have played this season so far.

Cirencester, having lost just one game this season so far, began the game with well-placed confidence. The Heath boys were slow to wake up and initially a few handling errors and some sleepy decision making saw them struggle to take advantage of the wind at their backs. However, slowly Heath's pack began to find its rhythm and exert some dominance over a well-drilled Cirencester side. The Heath scrum was excellent, winning a number of balls against the head and creating a good platform for the backs. Eventually a gap opened up and fullback William Galbraith Gibbons got Heath onto the scoreboard with a well worked try.

This was followed just a few minute later by another solid forward drive allowing the excellent Felix Richards to profit with Heath's second try and create a 0-10 scoreline. However, with Cirencester's back line starting to threaten, it wasn't long before the home side completed a neat passage of play resulting in a try of their own. Half time arrived with the score at 5-10 and all very much to play for in the second half.

Bolstered by fresh legs, Heath began the second half with renewed energy, the forwards again winning good ruck ball and the backs growing in confidence in defence. After a period of sustained pressure, Heath's number eight Sam Hardwicke extended the Heath U14s lead with a strong run to score. Cirencester's winning habit meant that they were unwilling to give in without a fight and their determination was eventually rewarded as they exploited a gap in the Heath defence to close the gap and make the score 10-15.

Heath, however, were themselves growing in confidence, inspired by bullocking runs from props Richards and Bennett and excellent work by the backrow which combined to finally wear down the Cirencester defence, and create the platform for two further Heath tries - from captain Toby Vander and vice-captain Josh Mann. Winger Josh Abrahams converted Mann's try to make the final score 10-27 and the trophy was heading back to Whitemans Green.

A hard fought game played in excellent spirit made this a valuable learning experience for the U14s, underlining the need to seek good quality opposition outside the county to test the potential of this talented Heath side.