Ince Rose Bridge 26-6 Heworth. NCL Division 1 Rd 2. 22/3/25.

Heworth started their campaign on the road in disappointing fashion away in Wigan at a fiery Ince Rose Bridge. IRB had had a big win in their first hit out the week previous so came into the game buoyant and this was very quickly evident. As is often the case the early score can settle nerves, so as both teams exchanged sets there was little in it, until a real game changing incident opened the scores and left the visitors aghast. Only 6 mins on the clock when Heworth kicked on the last around the half way mark. The ball ricocheted off the advancing Ince player and up into the air. Billy Sturdy turned to chase the ball down as last defender, and the oncoming Ince winger collided and tripped him. The winger was able to gather and continue the remaining 40 metres laying thall inside for a good finish from Calum Hughes from some huge fortune. No kick forthcoming but it wasn't long until Ince broke through again, loose forward Kyle Malone breaking some poor tackling in front and crashing under the posts. Kick good. It didn't improve for the black and whites as after only 18 minutes the game was slipping away as a well worked set play saw the very threatening  TJ Boyd loop round and score, again no kick. But at 14-0 only a quarter through Heworth needed some inspiration and points to get a foothold in the game, Ince were quicker in all departments. Heworth gained a repeat set and applied pressure but clinically they lacked the finished product and the remainder of the half was scoreless despite huge efforts from both players.

The second half started bright for the Villagers after only 3 minutes a towering bomb was fumbled by the defence and the bright Harley Axe was on hand to collect and skip past a statuesque defence to cross at the side of the posts. Danny Allan tagged 2 on and it was game on. But sadly not for long as on the next set Ince worked another set play and an accurate kick to corner was met by Hughes to dot down for his second, again unconverted.

Heworth were however competing again, Man of the match Ben Barnard was well supported by the excellent Joe Deighton on his return to action.

Heworth then spread the ball left and a rapid move saw George Burton cut inside and head for the line only to be denied a metre short and sadly leave the field injured in the same incident. With the game still quite well poised it would be a vital next score and it would be the hosts who capitalised. Jack Morrison went on a barnstorming run, fending off 3 defenders before offloading to Boyd to cross for his second deserved try. A change of goal kicker added the extras and Ince were pretty much home and hosed. A late hit on a runner from the visitors in the final minute just added a touch of gloss to the score as the hosts ran out deserved 26-6 winners. 

Match report- Paul Harrison