In the National Conference League Premier Division Heworth made their second long trip to Cumbria in a matter of weeks to face fifth placed Wath Brow Hornets in breezy conditions at Whitehaven. The Villagers, fielding a severely depleted side due to injuries and unavailability, showed some admirable battling qualities throughout but despite a valiant effort they eventually succumbed to a 37-6 defeat. The hosts led 17-6 at the break before going on to register 20 unanswered points in the second period against a rapidly tiring defence to run out comfortable winners.
The Hornets opened their account after six minutes with a try by hooker Ellison Holgate despite strong claims of a forward pass in the build up.
Full back Cole Walker Taylor added the extras. Five minutes later they doubled their advantage in similar fashion after calls, this time for obstruction again went unheeded by the official before Walker-Taylor crossed and converted his own score to make it 12-0. Heworth though shrugged off the disappointment and hit back to create a strong period of pressure on the home line. After having players held up over the whitewash on a couple of occasions their persistence was rewarded on 25 minutes when debutant scrum half Tommy Wandless put prop Jack Aldous over for a well deserved try which Wandless converted to reduce the deficit to six points. The next 13 minutes was evenly contested with neither side being able to add to their tally before the hosts seized the momentum just prior to the break. Firstly scrum half Dean Rooney slotted a drop goal and right on the stroke of half time Walker-Taylor crossed for his second touchdown to make it 17-6.
The hosts, sensing victory came out firing at the start of the second period but the Villagers showed some commendable spirit in defence to keep them at bay until with ten minutes gone Walker-Taylor edged them two further points ahead with a penalty goal. The remainder of the half belonged to the Hornets and with game ending injuries leaving Heworth with just one remaining substitute fatigue inevitably took it's toll the hosts went on to add three further touchdowns from forward Clark Riley, centre Luke Davison and a second for Holgate. Walker-Taylor completed a six goal haul for a personal tally of 20 points.
Hooker Harley Axe was voted Man of the match for the Villagers but the whole side deserve great credit for a tremendous effort against all the odds.
Heworth have no game next week and are next in action on Saturday 20 July when fierce local rivals York Acorn are the visitors to Elmpark Way.
Report - Dave Ward
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