HEATH Colts entertained Billingham in the quarter-finals of the National Cup, but were knocked out after a thrilling encounter which ended 28-25 in favour of the visitors.

An early try from Billingham was cancelled out when McKenzie burst through the defence for a try converted by Hinchliffe, who also added the extras when Pollard went over minutes later.

Heath were guilty of poor discipline which cost them three points from a penalty, but man-of-the-match Porritt added a third try for Heath to extend their lead to 19-10.

Another silly penalty gave Billingham the advantage however, and they turned it into a converted try before Hinchliffe hit a three-pointer for Heath to give the home side a 22-17 half-time lead.

In the second half Billingham were awarded two penalties which they duly converted to take the lead again, only for Hinchliffe to restore Heath’s advantage 25-23 with time running out.

Unfortunately for the Calderdale side however, there was still enough time for Billingham to engineer another fast move from their speedy backs, which resulted in a match-winning try in the corner.

And although Heath threw the ball around in the dying seconds it was not to be, as the visitors kicked the ball dead at the first opportunity and the referee blew full time on what had been a tremendously exciting game.