Heworth 44 - 4 Rochdale Mayfield. NCRL Premier League round 4. Saturday 28.3.26

In the National Premier League Heworth bounced straight back from last weeks reversal at Wigan St Judes with a convincing 44-4 victory over Rochdale Mayfield in blustery conditions at Elmpark Way. In an evenly contested first half the Villagers posted two tries to establish a 10-4 lead at the break before totally dominating the second period and going on to register six further unanswered touchdowns to run out comprehensive winners. 

The opening quarter was an error strewn affair with neither side being able to gain the momentum after struggling to master the tricky conditions 

and failing to trouble the scoreboard. On 22 minutes it was the visitors who drew first blood with their only try of the match from centre Phillip Futi before four minutes later Heworth squared matters through hooker Jack Earl who nipped over from close range direct from acting half back. Two minutes before the break they went in front when second rower Ben Barnard crossed to the right of the posts and stand off Jack Sadler added the extras for a 10-4 interval lead.

Heworth came out firing at the start of the second period and with eight minutes gone a quick shift to the right edge led to Barnard charging in for his second effort. The Villagers sniffing success, kept up the pressure and seven minutes later they increased their advantage when prop Tom Clarke muscled his way over next to the posts. Sadler obliged from the tee for both scores to make it 22-4. On 67 minutes it was virtually all over for the visitors when a free-flowing handling move to the left edge led to centre Harrison Briggs sending promising young winger Riley Barstow sprinting round behind the defence to cross under the posts for his first National League try. Sadler slotted the simple conversion. Heworth were now in firm control and four minutes later prop Jonny Payne burst through from ten metres out for a rare try before, just for good measure, repeating the dose with three minutes remaining. Sadler improved both tries for a six goal tally. There was still time for Barstow to complete the rout by registering his second touchdown in the closing minute to round off an excellent afternoon for the Black and Whites.  

Jonny Payne was voted Man of the match for the Villagers with Tom Clarke, Liam Richmond and Riley Barstow in close contention.

Heworth now take a break for the Easter weekend and are next in action on Saturday 11 April when they travel to St Helens to face Thatto Heath Crusaders.  

Match report- Dave Ward