In the National Conference League Premier Division Heworth were just edged out 8-0 in an absorbing derby encounter with fierce local rivals York Acorn in front of a sizeable crowd at Elmpark Way. It was an attritional affair with both sides slugging it out blow for blow in the strength sapping conditions and it wasn't until the 68th minute that the visitors registered the only try of the match which eventually decided the contest.
Both teams started well, making strong yardage and generating good field position but neither was able to turn it into points. Heworth did have strong claims for tries by winger Billy Sturdy and substitute forward Ben Barnard chalked off by the referees whistle but it was a similar situation at the other end with the visitors also having chances denied by the official. Defences continued to dominate the remainder of the half which became a real arm wrestle for superiority and with neither side being able to trouble the scoreboard things remained scoreless at the break.
The second half followed a similar pattern with both teams making strenuous efforts to prevail and with quarter of an hour gone Heworth came close after a quick shift to the left edge sent second rower Liam Richmond charging for the line but the ball slipped from his grasp in the tackle when reaching out to score. As the clock ticked down and the heat started to take its toll something had to give and on 68 minutes Acorn's man of the match stand off Antony Chilton slotted a neat kick through a gap in the home defensive line and full back Josh Parker followed up to touch down by the posts for Chilton to add the simple conversion. The Villagers were not done though and five minutes later another good handling movement exposed the visitors left edge but the final pass from full back Fraser West to winger George Burton went astray and the ball rolled harmlessly into touch to deny what looked like a certain score. With three minutes remaining Heworth were caught offside from a scrum on the halfway line and Chilton stepped up to slot a towering penalty goal which went over via the left upright to put the icing on the cake for the Acorn and seal an 8-0 victory.
Prop Jack Aldous was man of the match for the Villagers with Sturdy, hooker Jack Earl and Barnard also catching the eye.
With just six games remaining, three of which are against top four sides, this latest defeat plunges Heworth deep into the relegation dogfight and leaves them needing to win three matches to keep their hopes of surviving in the top flight alive. Next Saturday fourth placed Rochdale Mayfield are the visitors to Elmpark Way. Kick off 2.30p.m.
Report-Dave Ward
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