HEWORTH ARLC battled back from 26-14 down to claim a 26-26 draw at Coventry Bears in National Conference League division three.

After an even opening spell, Coventry forged in front with a 14th-minute try by Alex Brown, converted by Stephen Coleman.

Nine minutes later some good Heworth passing from Jonny Payne and Chris Varley sent George Wilkinson in for an unconverted try.

Coleman kicked a penalty on 32 minutes and the visitors were then hit by a try on the stroke of half-time, Dan Poulton crossing under the posts for Coleman to convert.

The Villagers started the second period in fine style as Mark Hayes ran 20 metres through four tacklers to touch down on 42 minutes.

Payne got in on the act four minutes later, scoring after being put in by Danny Allan, who converted to tie the scores at 14 apiece.

The Bears assumed control again on 54 minutes when Matt Cooper crossed and Coleman converted.

Coleman also added the extras to a 60th-minute score from player coach Tom Tsang, leaving Heworth with a mountain to climb in the last quarter.

Allan orchestrated the comeback, kicking to the line for prop Jason Harper to pounce on the ball. Allan’s conversion made it 26-20.

With six minutes left on the clock, another kick from Allan created the chance for Hayes to grab his second try and Allan’s conversion clinched the draw.

Second row Varley was Heworth’s man of the match, while props Payne and Harper, plus play-maker Allan, were also outstanding in a superb team effort.

Under-18s winger Josh Turley was the latest youngster to be blooded by Heworth, who received a blow with the news that 19-year-old full-back Fraser West suffered a broken arm in the draw.