Waterhead 36 vs 16 Heworth. NCL Premier Division Round 8. Saturday 9.5.26

In the National Premier League Heworth, despite a commendable and spirited effort, slipped to a 36-16 defeat at Oldham outfit Waterhead Warriors. The Villagers were guilty of committing a number of basic errors, particularly in the first half, which the hosts were quick to capitalise on to build a 24- 6 lead at the break. The Black and Whites though showed their resilience to, at times, produce some impressive attacking rugby and match their opponents try for try in the second period but the damage had already been done earlier and they were just not able to make up the deficit. 

The opening quarter of an hour was a real arm wrestle with neither side able to gain any advantage but it was the Warriors who opened the scoring on 16 minutes with a try by hooker James Perks converted by scrum half Kegan Brennan. This signalled an intense spell of pressure from the hosts which produced tries for loose forward Ciaran Dean and centre Vinny Arthurs on 26 and 31 minutes respectively. Brennan improved both efforts for an 18-0 lead. Heworth though finally managed to create some good field position of their own and hit back with a touchdown by second rower Billy Sturdy goaled by scrum half Jack Sadler to reduce the deficit to twelve points. It looked as though it would stay that way but two minutes before the break the Villagers failed to deal with a high attacking kick in their own twenty metre area and winger Tyrone Chipchase followed up to touch down. Brennan slotted the two-pointer for a 24-6 interval lead.

Heworth came out for the second period determined to show what they were capable of and with just four minutes gone they launched a strong raid down the left edge which was halted ten metres short. From the resulting play the ball they switched play with a sublime handling movement which led to winger Zach Towse crossing by the opposite corner flag for a spectacular try. For the next fifteen minutes both sides matched each other set for set but it was the hosts who always looked the more dangerous and on 58 minutes they extended their advantage after Arthurs crossed for his second touchdown and seven minutes later substitute Matt Fogarty went over from close range. Brennan completed a perfect afternoon with the boot to put them out of sight at 36-10. The Villagers though kept battling away and with ten minutes remaining their efforts were rewarded when more good handling sent Towse over for his second score and  Sadler added the extras to make the final score 36-16.

 Liam Richmond took the Villagers Man of the match award. 

Next Saturday Heworth face another stern test when second placed Hunslet ARLFC are the visitors to Elmpark Way. (2.30p.m.)