HEWORTH ARLC Under-9s brought the Lock Lane Gala trophy back to Elmpark Way after an thrilling extra time victory over Oulton Raiders.

The final showdown ebbed and flowed as both teams played some fantastic open rugby, with Heworth tries coming from Oliver Pratt and Ben Young.

The Villagers then had a Harvey Watson ‘try’ disallowed on the stroke of half-time, which left the scores at level-pegging.

After the break, Pratt again crossed the line for Heworth to cancel out another Raiders score to tie up the game on the hooter, taking the match to golden point extra time.

As the nerves set in for both sides, defences were on top form with the Heworth ranks well marshalled by Keane Brough.

A moment of brilliance from Kian Ogilvie, whose jinking run from half way handed the Villagers the victory, was all that could separate the final rivals.

Coach Alfie Brown said of the winning try: “It was a fitting way for the trophy to be decided.

“It’s ended the first half of our campaign on a massive high.”

Heworth started the tournament slowly, losing their first two matches by a try apiece, 3-2 against hosts Lock Lane and 1-0 against Oulton Raiders.

However, the York youngsters then kicked on and started to play some outstanding rugby.

They were unlucky to only end up with only a 3-3 draw against Fryston Warriors as they conceded a try with the final play of the match.

In the closing group match against Thornhill Trojans the squad knew that only a win would advance them to the semi-finals.

The Villagers produced a top display, particularly during the first half, with Feargus Brown’s passing proving the crucial ingredient in the 4-2 victory.

Temporary captain Liam Foster led from the front, along with Oliver Lambert and Reagan Brough. The other captains during the day were Brown, Pratt, Ogilvie and George Bradley-Consitt.

After finishing second in the pool, Heworth faced Fryston Warriors in the last four.

Despite some superb defending from Pratt, Young and Watson, the Villagers trailed at half-time.

In the second half, Heworth kept the pressure on and two stunning solo tries from Bradley-Consitt put the boys into the final against Oulton, who overcame hosts Lock Lane in the other semi.

Meanwhile, there was double joy for the U9s as Pratt won the sprint race held for that age group.

The U9s are coached by Brent Ogilvie, Stuart Watson and Martin Lambert.