DERBY delight went the way of Heworth ARLC Under-18s when they kicked off their new Yorkshire Youth League division two campaign at home to New Earswick All Blacks U18s.

The Villagers edged a ding-dong game 22-18, Joe Deighton forcing his way over for the winner with two minutes remaining.

New Earwsick opened the scoring with a try by Dan Richardson and a Jordan Bracewell goal, but Heworth responded as Will Barratt side-stepped through the defence to score under the sticks, Baxter Hackett adding the extras.

Heworth then took the lead with Barratt putting Lewis Hartley through a gap, but Bracewell bagged a converted try to give All Blacks a 12-10 lead at the break.

Heworth regained the lead when Jake Field crashed over, Hackett converting, but once again the game swung New Earswick’s way via hooker Richardson, his side’s man of the match, with Bracewell again goaling.

The visitors were set for victory but Deighton provided the final twist, carrying four defenders over the line with him to score the decisive try, Hackett goaling to seal a thrilling win.

Man-of-the-match Jensen Brown had his best game of the season with some fantastic runs and good defence as Heworth U11s edged Methley in the game’s very last set.

Ben Barnard was the opposition’s choice of man of the match after scoring two great tries in what was a great game of junior rugby.

Jak Ostergaard was the top tackler and Charlie Nicholson was the parents’ man of the match. Louis Abbott, who is improving every week after joining the club earlier this season, scored a great solo try and was given the magic moment award.

Heworth U8s travelled to Newsome Panthers and, despite a spirited display by the whole team in cold and blustery conditions, the home side took the spoils with a last-gasp try.

Lucas Burden again played exceptionally well both in attack, with four tries, and defence, with some shuddering tackles, which earned him the parents’ man of the match and top tackler awards.

Heworth’s magic moment was when Ellis Cochrane dived over for a deserved try after a scintillating run.

The left side of defence was well marshalled by the improving Onett Perera, the coaches’ man of the match, and Feargus Brown.

Harvey Watson and George Bradley-Consett made tries for themselves with powerful runs.

Kian Ogilvie also scored and was the oppostion’s choice of man of the match.