West Bowling 46 vs 24 Heworth. NCRL Premier Division round 22. Saturday 26.9.26

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In their final game of a difficult National Conference Premier League season Heworth travelled to face Bradford outfit West Bowling in a fixture switched to Old Brodleians RUFC as their home ground was unavailable. With nothing at stake to play for but pride both sides played some free-flowing attacking rugby but the Villagers were guilty of committing too many unforced errors which gifted possession to the hosts on a regular basis and they capitalised to run out 46-24 winners.

The hosts opened the scoring after nine minutes with a try by full back Lewis Camden converted by scrum half Harry Williams. Five minutes later Heworth hit back when some impressive handling led to winger Tino Mulase crossing on the left edge for an excellent score. Hooker Jack Sadler's conversion attempt bounced back off the near post. The remainder of the half belonged solely to the home side and after mistakes began to creep in they went on to post four further touchdowns, three of which were improved by Williams to establish a healthy 28-4 lead at the break.

The Villagers made a promising start to the second half and on 47 minutes they produced an identical move to put Mulase over for his second touchdown but Sadler again rattled the upright with his effort to add the extras. Five minutes later Wests responded after second rower Lewis Galtress charged through a yawing gap in the defensive line to score and Williams slotted the two-pointer to make it 34-8. The Black and Whites though were still intent on playing an expansive game and on 57 minutes they again exploited the space on the hosts left flank for centre Harrison Briggs to touch down and Sadler nailed a fine touchline conversion. Basic errors however still continued to haunt the Villagers and the hosts took advantage to add two further touchdowns from hooker Archie Halmshaw and a second for Camden both goaled by Williams and prop Richard Lumb respectively to make it 46-14. Heworth were in no mood to lie down and on 68 minutes stand off Dan Clarke nudged a grubber kick towards the home line which rebounded back off a defender into his hands and he plunged over to score. Sadler again renewed his acquaintance with the woodwork but this time the ball dropped over the crossbar. Six minutes from time scrum half Finlay Tait produced an identical effort to Clarkes previous try but retiring prop Jonny Payne fired his conversion attempt wide from a difficult angle to leave the final score 46-24 to the home side.

Jack Sadler took the Villagers Man of the match award.

Match report-Dave Ward