Heworth, due to an unfit pitch at Elmpark Way were, in order to maintain continuity, forced to reverse their scheduled National Conference League home fixture and travel to Halifax to take on Siddal and in a tough uncompromising encounter in blustery conditions the hosts eventually prevailed
18-10. The Villagers once again earned plaudits for an impressive all round display in which they matched their opponents in all aspects of the game. Unfortunately though the match turned on one pivotal moment in the 33rd minute when, with Heworth 10-6 ahead, substitute forward Harley Axe was dismissed for an alleged punch. The hosts capitalised almost immediately to edge themselves 12-10 in front at the break and despite a spirited and valiant effort by the Villagers in the second half, Siddal finally took advantage of the extra man to post the match winning try with just twelve minutes left on the clock.
The Halifax outfit took an early lead in the fifth minute after gaining possession from a goal line drop out by the visitors, which held up in the wind, they moved the ball quickly to the right and scrum half Christian Ackroyd went over for the opening try which full back Lewis Hosty converted to make it 6-0. Heworth though were undeterred and despite committing a number of basic errors which led to a turnover of possession they kept their line intact and took the game to their opponents at every opportunity. Their persistence paid off and with their excellent pack starting to make some good yardage on 20 minutes they levelled the scores when second rower Liam Richmond showed good strength to twist in the tackle close to the line and force his way over to the left of the posts. Stand off Danny Allan added the extras with a well judged kick into the swirling wind. Buoyed by this the Villagers went straight back on the attack and just four minutes later they went four points in front when winger Billy Sturdy gathered a pin point cross kick from hooker Jack Sadler to touch down in the right corner for an unconverted score. Then on 33 minutes came the game changing moment when Heworth were reduced to twelve players and the hosts seized the advantage just two minutes later when substitute forward Conner McCallum muscled his way over from short range. Hosty failed with the conversion but right on the stroke of half time he edged them 12-10 ahead with a penalty goal for dissent.
The Villagers were fully aware that it would take a monumental effort in the second period to come out on top in the game and to their credit they came mightily close to achieving it but almost inevitably it just proved a bridge too far and with just twelve minutes remaining home stand off Harry Milnes crossed for the match winning try and Hosty's third goal ensured an 18-10 success.
Full back Fraser West took Heworth's Man of the match award.
The Villagers are on the road again next Saturday when they head to Bradford to face West Bowling.
Report - Dave Ward
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