In the National Conference League Premier Division Heworth's bid to avoid relegation from the top flight was ended with a 30-14 defeat by defending champions Hunslet ARLFC in a highly entertaining contest at Elmpark Way. The Villagers, to their credit earned plaudits for a committed and tenacious performance which ensured that the South Leeds outfit were made to work extremely hard for their success. After a close fought first half, in which the Black and Whites matched their opponents blow for blow, they trailed 12-8 at the break before hitting back to take a 14-12 lead just two minutes into the second period. Hunslet however upped the intensity and went on to post three tries in a dominant 14 minute period to close out the match and consign the gallant hosts to first division rugby next season.
The visitors showed their intentions early and opened the scoring after four minutes with a try by prolific winger Tyler Dargan converted by stand off Jordan Gale. Heworth though were undeterred and six minutes later showed what they were capable of when a quick shift to the left and a fine cut out pass from scrum half Jack Sadler led to centre Billy Sturdy crossing by the corner flag for a well worked score. Sadler's conversion attempt from the touchline bounced back off the upright. Both sides continued to show their attacking qualities and their was little to choose between the two teams until the 20th minute when Hunslet increased their advantage to eight points with a touchdown by full back Josh McLelland improved by Gale. The Villagers though showed plenty of resilience and hit back right on the half hour mark when the visitors defence failed to deal with a neat grubber kick from Sadler behind their own line and winger Adam Dent followed up to touch down to reduce the deficit to four points. The remainder of the half was evenly contested with each side creating scoring opportunities but defences held firm and the visitors led 12-8 at the break.
Heworth gave themselves a huge lift just two minutes into the second period by producing their best try of the match when Sadler wrong footed the defence after finding Sturdy on a superb inside angled run who raced over unopposed to go over under the posts for his second score. Sadler added the extras to put them in front for the first time in the contest at 14-12. The lead however was short lived and lasted only four minutes before visiting winger Will Cohen crossed for another Gale goaled effort to restore a four point advantage. Buoyed, the visitors kept their foot on the gas which started to create unforced errors by the home side from which they capitalised to produce tries for hooker Jack McShane and substitute Tommy Corke on 55 and 60 minutes respectively. Gale completed a perfect afternoon with the boot for a 30-14 success but the Villagers could hold their heads high for an impressive and whole hearted display to round off a challenging season.
For the second consecutive week Jack Sadler scooped Heworth's Man of the match award with Liam Richmond, Harrison Briggs and Billy Sturdy also prominent.
Report - Dave Ward
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