Heworth 22 vs 4 Kells. NCL Division 1 Rd 17 the reunion round, Saturday 9.8.25

In National Conference League Division 1 Heworth remain in second place in the table after a hard earned 22-4 victory over Cumbrian outfit Kells in blustery conditions at Elmpark Way. It was a stop, start affair with both sides guilty of committing basic errors on a regular basis which severely restricted the flow of the game. The Villagers though had the better of the exchanges throughout and despite conceding an early try they went on to post two touchdowns in each half and this combined with another strong defensive effort was ultimately the reason for their success.

The visitors made a promising start and opened the scoring after ten minutes with an unconverted try by centre Harry Watson. Heworth despite showing an early lack of ball control finally found some cohesion and on 22 minutes stand off George Elliott sent second rower Ben Barnard storming through a gap in the defensive line before finding young scrum half Finlay Tait up in support to cross for a well worked try. Substitute Jack Sadler added the extras. Five minutes later Tait turned provider for second rower Liam Richmond to power over and increase their advantage to six points. For the remainder of the half both sides had an equal share of possession and territory but mistakes proved costly with neither able to find the finishing touch and the hosts led 10-4 at the break.

The Black and Whites came out with renewed intensity at the start of the second period and with ten minutes gone Elliott broke away down centre field on the halfway line before handing on to the supporting Sadler who raced away and looked certain to score but was hauled down just short of the line but the ball slipped from his grasp and the chance went begging. The Villagers though sensing victory, ramped up the pressure and on 63 minutes Richmond followed up a neat grubber kick from Tait to go over for his second touchdown which Sadler improved to make it 16-4. There was still more to come from the hosts who dominated the closing stages but errors led to a further couple of chances going astray. However, just four minutes from time full back Fraser West nipped down the narrow side on the left edge and sent centre Harrison Briggs crashing over for their final try and Sadler's third conversion sealed a fourth successive victory.

Finlay Tait took the Man of the match award for Heworth with Harley Axe, Jack Sadler and Liam Richmond in close contention.

Next Saturday the Villagers travel to face Oldham St Annes. (2.30p.m)

Report- Dave Ward