Lock Lane 30 vs 48 Heworth. NCL Premier Division round 13. Sat 27.6.26.

Despite high temperatures and a stiff breeze making for testing conditions, a young Heworth side produced an impressive attacking display to secure a 48–30 victory over Lock Lane and a vital two points in the bottom end of the table clash.

The hosts made the brighter start, taking advantage of an early handling error and some quick momentum to move into a 12–0 lead. Heworth quickly steadied themselves though, with Ellis Southerington opening their account from a lovely passing shape across the pitch, which was dually converted by Jack Sadler. It was hooker Sadler with his fingerprints behind the following two Heworth tries, first in setting up Ben Barnard beautifully to cross the white-wash, followed by a well-weighted cross field kick to Riley Barstow. This helped swing momentum back to Heworth and after two more Sadler conversions, the scoreline stood at 12-18 in Heworth’s favour.

Lock Lane managed to stay in the game with a try for Lewis Price from another short kick-off into the wind, but then Ben Barnard quickly powered over again twice in 3 minutes to complete a first-half hat-trick, showcasing his strength close to the line. Accurate kicking from Sadler ensured Heworth converted pressure into points, giving them a healthy 30–14 lead at the break.

The second half saw Heworth maintain control despite Lock Lane’s attempts to respond. Tom Clarke finished some tough work over the Lock Lane line, after Harrison Briggs intercepted a pass and took the visitors the full length of the field, only to be hauled down short of the line. Conversion Sadler again.

Never ones to give up, Lock Lane maintained the pressure and a try from Tom Gibson on 50 minutes followed by a try from Morgan Jones converted by himself on 61 minutes, put the score to 36-26 and reinstalled belief for the home side.

Heworth took charge again and a lovely pass from Fraser West to George Dodsworth and yet another conversion from Sadler reinstalled the healthy lead to 42-26. Morgan Jones once again scored for Lock Lane to give them a little hope, but a late score from Fraser West, following a long break from Liam Richmond, sealed the win and capped a dominant performance from the visitors.

With a perfect display from the tee from Sadler, Heworth’s attacking consistency combined with clinical finishing proved decisive to close out a convincing victory.

Man of the Match was awarded to Ben Barnard with special mention to Sadler for his kicking display.

Next week Heworth entertain local rivals York Acorn in a mouth-watering clash at Elmpark Way, 2:30pm.

Final Score: Lock Lane 30 – 48 Heworth

Report-Steve Towse