HEWORTH ARLC Under-18s were just unable to complete a remarkable comeback as they were edged out 24-16 by Drighlington in the Yorkshire Youth League division two play-off final at Upton.

Heworth, who had finished third in the table, fell 18-0 down to the league winners after half an hour but battled back to 18-16 with five minutes to go.

The match was anybody’s but Drig were handed possession from the restart and got the decisive try.

Heworth first-team coach Tim Rumford, who was running the rule over the teenagers, said: “It was heartbreaking but to drag themselves back from 18-0 down was a really good performance.”

In-form York Acorn U16s got their York Junior League division three summer campaign up and running with a 48-16 victory over Whinmoor Warriors.

William Atkins scored a first-half hat-trick as the Blue and Golds built a commanding 34-0 interval lead and, although they let Whinmoor in for three soft tries, they bagged three more of their own to seal victory Reece Maynard opened the scoring with a try in the corner.

Good ball skills led to Atkins’ first try and one for Mathew Downes.

Half-back Jack Wyard added a solo effort.

Atkins completed his treble and Brandon Harris finished a wellworked try.

After initial sloppy defence, Acorn got their act back together with two tries from Harris and a second for Downes.

Bradley Winter was man of the match, pushed close by Atkins and Downes.

Ritesh Gurung and Danny Cannon were heroes as New Earswick All Blacks U12s made it six wins from six this term with a hardfought 10-4 victory over Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks.

The first quarter was cut and thrust before All Blacks took the lead with a cracking try.

The ball went through nearly every player’s hands, travelling from right to left and back before try machine Gurung crossed the whitewash.

Sheffield quickly replied to make it 4-4 at half-time.

Both teams were defending well again in the second half, when Gurung broke the line from 55 yards out and sprinted the distance, with Sam Briggs adding the extras. Powerhouse captain Cannon then led All Blacks round the park making sure they stood strong for the last five minutes.

Man-of-thematch Cannon and Billy Burgess also led the line speed in defence as the York side resisted four sets in their own red zone, reward coming as the Hawks spilled the ball on tackle 22.

Luke Prenty was the top tackler closely followed by Cannon, while debutant Louis Phillipou made a confident start in rugby league as the All Blacks stayed top of Yorkshire Junior League division four.

A great team performance saw Heworth U11s enjoy a fine victory at Castleford Panthers.

It was tight early on before strong-running Callum Dunmore broke the deadlock, with the speedy Flynn Pagdin also crossing, Leon Mooring adding the extras.

Top tackling Max Hodgson was resolute in defence along with most improved player George Metcalfe.

Cas seized the initiative after halftime, scoring twice in quick time, before Mooring scored under the posts, Callum Rutland converting.

Heworth continued to drive holes in the defence with man-of-thematch Kane Cavanagh exceptional throughout, being rewarded when he crashed through tackles to score and add the extras himselfHeworth U9s gave a spirited display but were outdone by visitors Swillington’s expansive rugby.

The villagers played some excellent rugby themselves with two tries from the impressive Lucas Burden and one each for George Bradley-Consett, Harry Brown and Kian Ogilvie, while Keane Brough made some superb tackles.

Heworth U8s were unable to follow up last week’s first win of the season when losing to a very strong Castleford Panthers side.

Heworth fought bravely but were outclassed by a more experienced side.

Strong-running Thomas Hardy, parents’ man-of-the-match Ellis Cochrane, top tackler Adam Hodgson and, shining in defence in only his second game, Theo Edson all impressed.

Parkside pain for under-12s

THERE was anguish for Heworth ARLFC under-12s who were beaten 34-4 by Hunslet Parkside to suffer their second defeat in four outings this season.