MAN-OF-THE-MATCH George Elliott grabbed a hat-trick of tries and converted all of them himself as Yorkshire Men’s League Division One table-toppers Heworth fought out a thrilling 18-18 home draw with third-placed Hunslet Parkside A.

The teams were deadlocked at 6-6 going into the break and, during a pulsating second half, the lead changed hands three times during the midweek contest before the visitors snatched a try in the closing minute to share the spoils.

After a minute’s applause was held in tribute to Birkenshaw Bluedogs’ forward Max Blakeley, who tragically passed away during his team’s fixture with Heworth A at Elm Park Way on Saturday, the Villagers quickly forged ahead when hooker Josh Poulter Elliott over for the opening try.

But the visitors levelled on 18 minutes with a touchdown by prop George Clarke, goaled by full-back Luke Medley.

Parkside then took the lead 12 minutes into the second period with scrum-half Chris Royce darting over under the posts for Medley to add the extras.

Ten minutes later, Elliott restored parity following a strong burst from 35 metres out.

Medley went on to nose Hunslet in front with a penalty goal on 71 minutes before Elliott was at it again, re-gathering his own kick after it bounced back off a defender to gleefully touch down under the posts.

After a nail-biting and frantic final five minutes, however, winger Charlie Magee crossed in the corner during the closing seconds and, to the Villagers’ relief, Medley's attempted touchline conversion drifted wide as honours ended even.