HEWORTH ARLC returned to action after a three-week lay-off with a 42-12 victory over Skirlaugh Bulls 'A' at a rain-soaked Elmpark Way.

The Villagers led 22-6 at the break but did not have things all their own way with the visitors showing some strong resistance, and it wasn't until the final quarter of an hour that the hosts' superior pace and power saw them post four unanswered tries to close out the match.

The result left Heworth second in Yorkshire Men's League division one.

Prior to kick-off, a minutes applause was held in memory of former Heworth, York, Bradford Northern and England forward Colin Forsyth who passed away, suddenly, last Thursday.

The hosts were on the board after only two minutes following a good run by centre Billy Sturdy who found scrum-half George Elliott in support to cross for the opening try, improved by second-rower Joe Deighton.

The wet ball was proving difficult to handle and both sides were guilty of turning over possession until the 25th minute when the Bulls levelled matters with a touchdown by centre Alex Foster goaled by stand-off Elias Harrison.

The home side, though, regained the lead four minutes later when substitute Josh Poulter put loose-forward Adam Speck through a gap to touch down close to the posts, Deighton tagging on the extras.

This was extended on 29 minutes when slick handling led to winger Jake Atkinson crossing in the corner.

Three minutes from the break, a superb cut-out pass by Elliott brought full-back Cameron Taylor chiming into the line and he raced over for an excellent try, Deighton's conversion making it 22-6 at half-time.

Skirlaugh, battling away, produced their best spell of the match in the third quarter, their persistence paying off on 52 minutes when centre Lewis Hames went over for another Harrison-goaled effort.

But that was as good as it got for the visitors as the Black and Whites regained control after 62 minutes with Elliott putting second-row Fergus Chapman over, Deighton again converting.

Elliott was again the provider six minutes later with Sturdy being the beneficiary, Deighton adding his fifth goal to make it 34-12.

There was still time for a final flourish in the closing five minutes with a brace of tries for stand-off Fraser West. He firstly nipped over from close range and got over again after supporting a strong burst by Deighton from near half-way.

Heworth's man-of-the-match award, sponsored by Wards International Tours, went to Taylor, with Speck, Elliott and second-row Liam Richmond also prominent.

Also at Elmpark Way, a disappointing defensive display ended in a crushing 56-6 defeat for Heworth 'A' at the hands of a lively Farnley Falcons outfit, who included former Leeds, Wigan, Hull and England winger Mark Calderwood in their ranks.

The Villagers trailed 28-0 at the interval with their only points coming in the second half from a Nathan Jamieson try converted by Jonny Jackson.

Veteran Sam Clarke was Heworth's man of the match with Ben Eastwood and Jonny Clark also catching the eye.

The result left the 'A' team bottom of YML division five.