Heworth made a promising start to their campaign in National Conference League Division 1 with an excellent 34-22 victory over Oulton Raiders at Elmpark Way. After a patchy first half the sides were level 12-12 at the break but the Villagers produced a much improved display after the interval which saw them post four further touchdowns to run out deserved winners.
The visitors were first on the scoreboard after just three minutes with a try by centre Adrian Holdsworth goaled by stand off Josh Perkins. Heworth though, despite struggling to find any cohesion got themselves back into the match on 16 minutes when full back Fraser West sent second rower Harrison Briggs striding through a gap for their opening try and stand off Danny Allan added the extras to level the scores. Nine minutes later a quick shift to the right edge found fellow second rower Ben Barnard whose fine offload enabled centre George Elliott to cross in the corner and Allan's towering touchline conversion gave the hosts a 12-6 lead. On 32 minutes the Raiders hit back with a touchdown by winger Kieran Walpole improved by Perkins to square the contest at 12-12 at half time.
Whatever Heworth Coach Scott Rhodes said to his troops during the break certainly had the desired effect as they came out firing and went in front in the opening minute when Allan and Barnard combined to send winger Billy Sturdy striding away over the halfway line on the right edge before handing on to supporting hooker Jack Sadler to cross for a spectacular score. Allan slotted the two-pointer for a six point lead. All the momentum was now with the Black and Whites and seven minutes later they increased their lead when another flowing move led to scrum half Liam Jackson going over on the left flank for their fourth try. On 53 minutes more crisp handling sent prop Liam Richmond charging over from a similar position for another impressive score. Allan slotted both conversions to virtually put the Villagers out of sight at 30-12. On 67 minutes Barnard was sent to the sin-bin for late contact and the visitors took advantage of the extra man to give themselves a glimmer of hope with a touchdown from hooker Kian Watson which Perkins improved to reduce the deficit to twelve points. It was not to be though and with five minutes remaining the Villagers sealed the contest when winger Adam Dent followed up a neat kick over the visitors defensive line by West to touch down by the left corner flag for their final score. Allan's attempt to produce a perfect afternoon with the boot was foiled by the woodwork. Substitute Ashley Stillwell's touchdown in the closing minute proved scant consolation for the Raiders.
Ben Barnard took the Man of the Match Award for Heworth with Adam Dent, Danny Allan and Liam Richmond in close contention.
Next Saturday the Villagers head to Wigan to face Ince Rose Bridge. Kick off 2.30p.m.
Match report- Dave Ward
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