In the National Conference League Premier Division Heworth, in their fifth successive away fixture, slipped to a 26-12 defeat at reigning champions Hunslet ARLFC. The Villagers put in a tremendous effort throughout and produced some good shape at times but frustratingly, too many basic errors meant they were just not able to exert enough pressure on the home line. The South Leeds side, despite having prop Jamie Fields dismissed on 20 minutes for alleged punching, were far more clinical with their finishing and showed all their experience to post five tries and run out worthy winners.Hunslet opened the scoring after nine minutes with an unconverted try by winger Josh McClelland and went further ahead six minutes later when prop Elliot Morgan muscled his way over from short range and stand off Jordan Gale added the extras to put them 10-0 ahead. Heworth though responded well with some good handling skills but mistakes and penalties proved costly in their efforts to put points on the board and on 24 minutes home loose forward George Clarke shrugged off a couple of defenders to cross for their third try which was goaled by Gale to make it 16-0. The Villagers though kept plugging away and hit back in impressive style on the half hour mark when scrum half Liam Jackson broke away from forty metres out and made good ground before handing on to hooker Jack Sadler who found second rower Tyler Craig up in support to cross for an excellent try which Sadler improved to reduce the deficit to 16-6 at the break.The second half proved similar to the first with the hosts pressing home their advantage in the opening quarter of an hour with touchdowns for the prolific Craig McShane and a second for McClelland, one of which was converted by Gale to put them 26-6 in front. The Villagers to their credit refused to lie down and some stoic defending prevented any further score and they eventually had the final word after 64 minutes when Sadler crossed from a fine offload by prop Liam Richmond for a well-deserved try. Substitute Leon Watkinson slotted the two pointer to make the final score 26-12.Liam Jackson was Man of the match for Heworth.Next Saturday the Villagers get their home campaign under way when Kells are the visitors to Elmpark Way.
Report - Dave Ward
