A DEPLETED Heworth side defied all the odds to pull off a stunning 32-28 success at Mirfield Stags in Yorkshire Men's League division one.

First ever tries for young scrum half Sam Young and prop Josh Hughes, and a man of the match performance by substitute Jonny Jackson, were among the highlights for the visitors.

The Villagers trailed 12-0 after 10 minutes but hit back to lead 14-12 at the break and went on to post three second-half converted tries to clinch a deserved victory.

It looked ominous for Heworth when the hosts raced into an early lead with tries by prop Kieran Blacker and full back Jacob Craven, both improved by winger Sam Wood.

The away side showed their intent on 20 minutes when a good handling movement saw Young dummy his way over in the left corner for an unconverted score.

Eight minutes later, a superb pass from loose forward Joe Deighton sent returning wingman Lewis Hartley racing away to cross by the posts and Deighton converted to cut the deficit to two points.

Right on the stroke of half-time, Deighton was again the provider for Young to add his second touchdown and give Heworth a 14-12 lead at the break.

It got even better for the Black and Whites in the opening minute of the second period following a break by player-coach George Elliott. A quick play-the-ball sent Hughes charging over under the sticks for Deighton to add the extras.

And three minutes later centre Billy Sturdy put Hartley in for his second try, once again goaled by Deighton to make it 26-12.

The Stags were not done however, and hit back with tries in the 51st and 66th minutes through second rower Danny Graham and loose forward Phil Shotton – one of which Wood converted to make it all to play for at 26-22.

On 71 minutes, winger Max Carry settled Heworth's nerves after touching down wide out following a neat grubber kick from Deighton who also added a fine conversion to restore a ten-point advantage.

The remaining nine minutes were a frantic affair with the home side throwing everything at the Villagers in an effort to achieve victory, but their defence held firm until the final minute when Jordan Smith's try, goaled by Wood, proved only a consolation for Mirfield.

Also in YML division one, bottom side York Acorn 'A' enjoyed an impressive 46-12 home victory over Odsal Sedbergh.

Meanwhile, New Earswick All Blacks were edged out in a thriller at Keighley Albion – eventually losing 32-30, but remaining top of the division.