Heworth 58 vs 06 Crosfields. NCL Division 1 Rd 19. Saturday 30.8.25

In National Conference League Division 1 Heworth, for the second consecutive week, fielding a side containing several promising youngsters, kept themselves firmly in contention for an automatic promotion place after easing to a crushing 58-6 success over relegation haunted Crosfields in a mainly one sided at contest Elmpark Way. The struggling visitors travelled with just fourteen players and despite a valiant effort were just not able to cope with the Villagers relentless style of attacking rugby which produced a total of eleven tries to complete a comprehensive victory.

The hosts opened their account after five minutes when second rower Joe Deighton shrugged off several defenders from 35 metres out to charge over to the left of the posts for stand off Finlay Tait to add the extras. Five minutes later they doubled their advantage after scrum half Liam Jackson backed up a strong break by winger Billy Sturdy to race away and go over under the crossbar for Tait to slot the simple conversion. On 14 minutes the visitors hit back for the only time in the match with a try by full back Nathan Taylor which he goaled himself to reduce the deficit to six points. Heworth though were quick to respond and on the 20-minute mark Jackson switched play with a fine cut out pass to centre Harrison Briggs who made good ground down the left edge before sending the supporting Deighton in for his second touchdown to make it 16-6. The Villagers were now firmly on the front foot and eight minutes later Jackson and Tait combined to put second rower Liam Watling through a gap for another unconverted score. With seven minutes remaining before half time Sturdy was again the provider for full back Fraser West to cross for their fifth try which was improved by Tait to give the hosts a virtually unassailable 26-6 lead at the break.

The Black and Whites kept up the pressure and five minutes into the second half Sturdy snapped up a grubber kick just metres from his own line and sped the full length of the field to touch down on the right edge for a fine individual score. It was all one-way traffic now and ten minutes later a slick passing movement to the right led to Tait going over for a well worked try which he converted himself to make it 36-6. On 65 minutes, against a tiring defence, more good handling created space for Sturdy to cross for his second effort and with ten minutes remaining the Villagers put the ball through several pairs of hands before sending young substitute Ellis Southerington in for another impressive score which centre George Elliott goaled for a forty-point lead. There was still time for Tait to complete his hat trick with tries on 73 and 77 minutes both of which were improved by Elliott to seal a seventh successive victory.

Joe Deighton took the Villagers Man of the Match Award with Sturdy and youngsters Southerington, James Potter and Freddie Wilson also prominent.

Next Saturday Heworth face a much sterner task when they make the short trip to Dewsbury to face fifth placed Shaw Cross Sharks. (2.30p.m.)

Match report- Dave Ward