A LATE penalty by Jordan Bracewell following an Alex Wilkins hat-trick saw New Earswick All Blacks ARLC edge Heworth 22-20 in the York & District U18s Cup.

A try by Heworth’s Joe Deighton levelled at 20-20, and the tie - the first of the round-robin fixtures also involving York Acorn - seemed set to finish all-square with neither side able to land drop-goal attempts.

But All Blacks were awarded a decisive penalty to nick victory at the end of a ding-dong derby played in a fantastic manner.

The sides had traded early points, Andy Spencer crossing for Heworth, Wilkins for All Blacks.Strong forward play saw Heworth get territorial control resulting in tries for Connor Brannigan and Jake Field for a 16-6 half-time lead.

All Blacks defended ferociously at times, and their efforts were rewarded as Adam Gowland went over near the corner flag, and Wilkins completed his treble.

Deighton, ever a danger, equalised but Bracewell booted the winner, with New Earswick set to go to Acorn on May 21.

Heworth U11s drew an entertaining game with Shaw Cross Sharks.

A Shaw Cross opener was cancelled out as a Leon Mooring offload saw Myles Harrison outstrip the cover to cross in the corner and convert.

Man-of-the-match Callum Dunmore was a powerhouse up front, supported by players’ player-ofthe- match Kane Cavanagh, while Spencer Harris and David Strange were notable additions returning from absence.

Shaw Cross scored after a set play but the busy Heworth partnership of Luke Kane and Callum Rutland was rewarded late on when Rutland jinked through, with Mooring goaling under pressure.

Heworth U9s and Sherburn Bears U9s put on terrific display at Elm Park Way, with the hosts coming out on top.

Heworth took the lead in the first half and kept the momentum going despite some fine play by the visitors.

Keane Brough and top tackler Lucas Burden defended superbly, with Brough the parents’ man of the match after his best game this year and Burden crossing the whitewash twice. The magic moment award went to Feargus Brown, who sidestepped to the try-line with his first touch after re-entering the fray.

Other notable performances came from coaches’ man-of-the-match Kian Ogilvie and most improved player Reegan Brough, while George Bradley-Consett and Sam Hunt also scored.

Heworth U8s gave their best performance this term to cruise to victory against Brotherton.

Strong running from man-of-thematch Thomas Hardy and a hattrick from Adam Hodgson capped their second win. The opposition’s choice of man of the match, Callum Costanzo, grabbed the fourth try while Charlie Cockerill, Joseph Wregglesworth and ever-improving Bailey Monks also stood out.