Wigan St Judes 13 vs 6 Heworth. NCL Division 1 Rd 21. Saturday 13.9.25

In National Conference League Division 1 Heworth's eight match winning run came to an end after a disappointing 13-6 defeat at League leaders Wigan St Judes whose victory earned them the Championship title. The Villagers trailed 10-6 at the break in a tough, exciting and physical encounter with no quarter asked or given and the result in doubt right until the closing minutes.

The hosts opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a try by full back Connor Parkinson converted by hooker Danny Fallon. On the quarter hour mark Heworth hit back when scrum half Callum Rutland jinked past a couple of defenders and sent second rower Liam Richmond through a gap to touch down to the left of the posts. Rutland slotted the extras to achieve parity at 6-6. Ten minutes later the Saints regained the lead with an unconverted touchdown from substitute Elliot Garrido. The remainder of the half was evenly contested and with neither side able to further trouble the scoreboard the Saints held a narrow 10-6 lead at the break.

The close scoreline led to a tense period at the start of the second half with try scoring chances at a premium as both teams matched each other set for set and despite strenuous efforts neither was able to penetrate their opponents solid defensive line. It wasn't until the 72nd minute that the deadlock was finally broken by the hosts with a penalty goal by Fallon to edge them 12-6 ahead and after exerting further pressure on the Black and Whites line four minutes later stand off Declan Parkinson's drop goal sealed the contest for the jubilant Saints side.

Liam Richmond took the Villagers Man of the match award.

Despite this setback the Villagers remain in second place in the table but must now win next Saturdays final fixture with already relegated Woolston Rovers at Elmpark Way to achieve automatic promotion. (2.30p.m.)

Match report- Dave Ward