Heworth 12 vs 30 Stanningley. NCL Division 1 Rd 13. Saturday 5.7.25.

In round 13 of National Conference League Division 1, Heworth suffered a 3rd defeat of the campaign after losing out 12 points to 30 to Stanningley ARLFC at Elmpark way.

The Visiting team took the lead with just 5 minutes on the clock with a breakaway try straight through the middle of the park to score underneath the black dot which was successfully converted to put them in front 0-6.

There were more signs of things to come when Stanningley scored again on the 12-minute mark down the left edge which was again converted to put Stanningley in front 0-12.

The Villagers hit back after 17 minutes with a try from winger Adam Dent which was converted outwide from half back Callum Rutland to close the scoreline up to 6-12.

31 minutes on the clock saw the Stanningley winger sent to the sidelines for 10 minutes which was quickly capitalised on with some crisp passing from the Villagers 30 metres out which saw second rower Harrison Briggs step inside to evade the Stanningley defence and touchdown under the posts, an easy conversion for Rutland to level things up at 12-12.

35 minutes in, George Elliott attempted an early pass on the 2nd play of the set which was cleverly intercepted and Stanningley raced down field and scored under the posts to take the lead to 12-18 at the break. 

It was the away side who scored again as the second half got underway with a try on 44 minutes just to the right of the sticks which was again converted to take the score to 12-24 and open up the game once again.

Things were tied up for the best part of 20 minutes with each team showing resilience but on the 62nd minute, substitute dummy half Jack Sadler saw an opening on the 30-metre line to split through the markers and run through to the 30-metre point up the other end only to be brought down by the fullback as he tried to side step around him.

 On 67 minutes Harrison Briggs broke through the line using some great footwork but after covering 40 metres of the ground, the ball went to ground to end what looked like the best opportunity for the Heworth outfit to score.

The visitors took advantage of some heavy possession and went in to score on 71 minutes which saw the Stanningley attack open up the Heworth defence to score and put the game out of reach with a successful conversion and took the scoreline to 12-30.

9 minutes left of the game remained at that score and at full time it was the opposition who left with the 2 points in what was a difficult afternoon for the Villagers who now sit 3rd on the league table.

Jack Sadler took the Yo1 UPVC & Aluminium Solutions sponsored man of the match award, with Briggs, West and Sturdy in close contention for Heworth.  

Next Saturday there is no First team game but the Villagers welcome Wigan St Pats to Elmpark Way on the 19th July. (2.30p.m.)  

Match report- Joel Clarke