Wigan St Judes 32 vs 16 Heworth. NCRL Premier round 3. Saturday 21.3.26

In the National Premier League Heworth fell to a 32-16 defeat in a hard fought encounter at last season's Division 1 Champions Wigan St Judes. It was the proverbial game of two halves with the Villagers posting four tries to forge a 16-4 interval lead before the hosts blasted back with five unanswered touchdowns in the second period to take the spoils.

The visitors went ahead after seven minutes in familiar fashion after some sublime handling created space for centre Harrison Briggs to cross on the left edge for a fine try. Eight minutes later the hosts restored parity with a touchdown from centre Dante Morley- Samuels. Both teams continued to wrestle for momentum but some solid goal line defending negated any threat before Heworth finally broke the deadlock on 33 minutes when more crisp passing led to second rower Liam Richmond going over eight metres in from the left corner flag. Just five minutes later a similar move saw Richmond touch down in the identical position to double his tally and right on the stroke of half time substitute Joe Deighton proved unstoppable from forty metres out after charging on to a sublime pass from fellow benchman Ben Dent and crash over, again on the left edge, for an excellent try. Unfortunately though, the Villagers had an off day from the tee and were not able to convert any of their tries to exert further pressure on their opponents and had to settle for a 16-4 lead at the break.

The Saints came out with renewed intensity at the start of the second period and got themselves back in the contest on 48 minutes with a touchdown by substitute Elliott Garrido converted by loose forward Danny Fallon to reduce the deficit to six points. Seven minutes later it was all to play for after Declan Parkinson crossed for an unconverted score to make it 16-14. The momentum was now all with home side who went on to dominate possession and territory on the back of an ever mounting succession of, what many thought harsh, penalties and repeat sets which kept Heworth on the back foot throughout. Inevitably a huge defensive effort eventually took it's toll and the hosts posted three further tries through Jacob Dugdale (2)

and Reece McNally along with two conversions for Fallon and one by Garrido to complete a 32-16 success.

Jack Sadler scooped the Villagers Man of the Match award.

Next Saturday Rochdale Mayfield are the visitors to Elmpark Way. (2.30p.m.)

Match report-Dave Ward