Heworth U17s hit back to topple Kippax in Yorkshire Junior League decider (From York Press)

Heworth U17s hit back to topple Kippax in Yorkshire Junior League decider

11:34am Saturday 12th May 2012 in Junior rugby

A SUPERB second-half show saw Heworth ARLC Under-17s come from 22-6 down to beat Kippax 40-22 in the Yorkshire Junior League division two championship decider at Elm Park Way.

Kippax dominated early on, helped by Villagers errors and a number of penalties, and within minutes moved 12-0 up, leaving the hosts staring down the barrel of a big loss.

However, as the game progressed, the Black and Whites began to work their way into it, with William Barratt, Nathan Jamieson and Ross Hunter leading the way.

Liam Jackson, outstanding in the number six shirt, crossed, with hooker Josh Poulter – who with David Hayes was superb at directing Heworth around the field – adding the goal.

Kippax added to their lead but, as Heworth stopped making errors, the game looked to be swinging in their favour, with speedy winger Fraser West scoring from distance to make it 22-10 at half-time.

Heworth began the second half strongly, with Barratt charging through to score. Jason Smith at centre created chaos in the Kippax defence every time he had the ball and he forced his way over.

Then Alex Clough chimed into the attacking line and sliced through for the equaliser and soon scored again as the Villagers began to play expansive rugby, with Adam Lovatt making hard yards and Baxter Hackett threatening on the right, despite taking a knock after coming off the bench.

The forwards began to dominate their bigger opponents, with Harry Fogg doing well when he came on and the outstanding Jacob Field at prop being named man of the match, pushed close by Hayes.

Danny Simpson exploited spaces created by Hayes to finish the try-scoring, Poulter ending with five goals.

Heworth now enter the play-offs in the hope of collecting a second trophy.

A fine first half took Heworth U14s to a 38-28 win over Newsome Panthers.

Man-of-the-match Jack Smith and Harry Radcliffe scored doubles thanks largely to the team’s structured attack. Arran Naismith added to the lead in the second half and, although Newsome began to gain momentum, hard work from the likes of Devon Padgett and Jack Longstaff paid off.

Tries followed from Charlie Hill and newcomer Jim Douthwaite, the joint-top tackler with Jacob Sunderland, with goals added by Radcliffe and another newcomer Luke Adamson.

Will Ireland enjoyed an impressive debut for Heworth and Robin Page was named team player of the match.

Heworth U12s’ steady progression continued as they won 40-16 in a friendly at Selby Warriors U12s.

They scored seven tries, including three try-of-the-season contenders, amid impressive passages of play.

Forwards Cain North, Alfie Hancock, James Smith and Jake Wright often caused havoc, allowing half-backs Leon Beattie, Sam Young and Shay North to shuffle the team around the park and release the speedsters.

New players James Smith, Nathan Nelson and James Raley gained valuable experience, while Charles Marsh scored his second try for the club. Several players tried different positions with Chris Verzi showing great adaption.

Other tries came from Harry Sheppeard (2), Jake Wright (2), Josh Rogerson, and the ever-improving Jamie Morrison, with a 60-metre effort. Goals were added by Sheppeard (2), Beattie (2) and Young (2).

Man-of-the-match Kian Oliver was a hat-trick hero as Heworth U10s shared eight tries with Castleford Lock Lane.

Jak Ostergaard was Heworth’s other try scorer, while Austin Cole ran well and was given the ‘magic moment’ award, and Bradley Burns and Max Davison made good yards. Oliver, Luke Prenty, Harry Griffiths and Ostergaard added conversions.

Title-winners York Acorn U18s’ Yorkshire Youth League division one top-four top final against Cottingham Tigers will be played tomorrow at Normanton Knights, kick off 12.30pm. A date for the League Cup final is yet to be confirmed.