Heworth 38 vs 0 Wigan St Patricks. NCL Division 1 Rd 14. Saturday 19.7.25

In National Conference League Division 1 Heworth remain in third place in the table after easing to an emphatic 38-0 victory over Wigan St Patricks in atrocious conditions, with torrential rain throughout, at Elmpark Way. The Villagers led 22-0 at the break and defied the elements to produce an impressive display of handling and ball control which the visitors were never able to match. In addition a resolute defensive effort kept their line intact throughout to ensure a fully deserved success.

Prior to kick-off a minutes applause was observed in memory of long serving former Heworth and Doncaster forward Barry Jackson who recently passed away.

The Villagers were quickly into their stride, going ahead in the third minute when some impressive handling led to winger George Burton going over on the left edge for an excellent try. Stand off Danny Allan's fine conversion went over off the right hand upright for a 6-0 lead. On 14 minutes they doubled their advantage when Allan regathered his own kick which bounced back off a defender close to the line and plunged over to score and add the extras. Nine minutes later second rower Ben Barnard followed up to touch down a neat kick from loose forward George Elliott and winger Maddox Jeffery slotted the two pointer to make it 18-0. With two minutes of the half remaining Barnard sent centre Billy Sturdy striding over in the right corner for an unconverted score to give Heworth a substantial 22-0 lead at the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern with the Saints, despite a determined effort continuing to struggle to maintain any cohesion in the rain soaked conditions and turning over possession at regular intervals. Any thoughts of a comeback were soon extinguished on 52 minutes when scrum half Liam Jackson's superb inside ball sent Barnard charging through a gap on the angle before shrugging off several defenders and going over under the posts for his second touchdown. Substitute Callum Rutland slotted the simple conversion. On 70 minutes Jeffery was next over the whitewash after gathering a pin point chip from Allan over the defensive line and stretching out to score. Rutland again obliged with the extras to make it 34-0. With just six minutes left on the clock Sturdy put the icing on the cake for the Black and Whites after crossing to complete his brace and round off a superb afternoon for the hosts.

Ben Barnard was voted Man of the match for Heworth with Harrison Briggs, Sturdy and Jack Sadler also prominent.

Next Saturday the Villagers travel to Leeds to face Oulton Raiders. (2.30p.m.)

Report-Dave Ward