A POOR first half performance proved to be Heworth ARLC's downfall as they lost 32-26 at Elland 'A' in Yorkshire Mens League division two.

Several unforced errors and some sloppy defending saw the Villagers trailing 20-10 at the break and 32-10 after 49 minutes but a spirited fightback brought three rapid tries and clawed the deficit back to six points going into the last ten minutes.

Elland, though, who were ahead after only two minutes, managed to hang on grimly to take the spoils.

The home side went in front with an unconverted try by centre Tom Arnett and they increased their lead in the 19th minute with a touchdown for fellow centre Joe Nicholson, who also added the extras.

Heworth responded six minutes later when a defence splitting pass from stand-off Tom Barron put substitute forward Darren Rutherford in for an excellent try.

Back came Elland on the half hour through winger Dean Hoodlass, who was followed over the whitewash six minutes later by full-back Steve Hawkes. Nicholson's conversion made it 20-4.

Heworth hit back right on the stroke of half-time with Rutherford forcing his way over from close range for his second try, which was goaled by loose forward Joe Deighton.

It looked all over for the Villagers when the hosts added two tries in the opening nine minutes of the second period from substitute Gareth Owen and a second for Hawkes.

Nicholson converted both and Elland led 32-10. Heworth, though, then enjoyed their best period of the match.

Barron and full-back Fraser West combined to put centre Ben Stoker over for a Deighton goaled try on 53 minutes and that was followed, four minutes later, by winger Dan Craig, who crossed in the corner after good work by winger Mike Welsh and Rutherford. Deighton kicked a fine touchline conversion.

On 67 minutes, some good handling led to centre Josh Turley touching down for an unconverted try to reduce Elland's lead to just six points. Despite strong pressure on the home line, Heworth couldn't cross and Elland hung on nervously for victory.

West was man of the match for the Villagers and there were strong performances from prop Jonny Clark, Rutherford and Deighton.