Sandal Cougars welcomed Heath to Milnthorpe Green in what was the home sides last league game of the year. The Cougars knew that a win was essential if they were to retain the position at the top of the league and put the pressure back on the teams below them.
This was a strong looking Cougars side even though they were missing new father Danny Wild and leading try scorer Scott Seckham. The hosts played up the hill and into the wind first half, the rain was starting to fall, but The Cougars made their intentions clear by moving the ball at every opportunity. Ben Brindley crossed over first for the home side and then bagged his brace after excellent work in the lineout by Brennan and Blackhurst, a superb move in the backs involving Dan Hodson, Liam Hunt and Alex Seckham, created the space for Brindley out wide. Heath replied with good work through their forwards but never really threatened The Cougar try line. More good work from The Wakefield outfit resulted in John Livesey, cutting an angle normally seen by a centre and then demonstrated speed normally associated by a winger to crash over, Edge kicked the conversion. Heath kicked two long-range penalties to make the score 17-6 at half time.
The Cougars were committed to playing open flowing rugby, even though the conditions were always against them. This style of rugby resulted in a lot of scrums but it was also rewarded with four more tries in the second half. Wicks notched early in the second half, burrowing over from close range. Jamie Heron demonstrated good footballing skills and then a gymnastic style dive to score his first try of the season. At this point The Cougars tried to force the game too much and gave the ball back to Heath through knock-ons and forward passes. The homeside were making telling breaks through the middle, notably by Hirst, Brennan and Edge. Andy Evetts, Liam Hunt and Alex Seckham were always looking to stretch the Heath defence at every opportunity. Purcell was enjoying himself from the kick offs, making good yardage whenever the ball was kicked to him.
As the game was coming to an end Brett Hunt scored after good work from his forwards and then Stevie Blackhurst powered over, this coupled by a second half conversion meant the game was won 39-6.
This Cougars side has had a remarkable year, last year they finished second from bottom in the league and at the present moment they top the league. They have won eleven straight matches in the league, no other team this year has managed that, they are undefeated at home in the league, again and statistic, which no other team in the league can match. An excellent season has been enjoyed by all of the lads who have played in this Cougars side, targets have been set and improvements will be made to have an even better season next year.
        
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