HEWORTH suffered their first defeat of the season in the Yorkshire Men’s League division one.

The Villagers lost 27-14 at Skirlaugh Bulls but remain top of the table, albeit on points difference, ahead of second placed New Earswick All Blacks and Norland Sharks.

Despite leading 10-8 at the interval, Heworth failed to maintain their impressive recent form and were second best to the Bulls who posted three second half tries.

It looked like business as usual after 13 minutes when Callum Worthington raced 60 metres down the wing to score in the corner. Prop Joe Deighton added the conversion.

Five minutes later, it was 10-0 as a superb off-load from player-coach George Elliott put Liam Jackson over for an unconverted score. Skirlaugh hit back in the 23rd and 33rd minute, respectively, through substitute Nathan Wilkinson and hooker Brad Gott.

Heworth squandered opportunities to increase the advantage and the score remained 10-8 at the break. The Bulls took the lead soon after the re-start when David Fletcher went under the posts and Matty Norman added the extras.

Second rower Anton Robinson touched down on 57 minutes and Dexter Cardwell goaled to make it 20-10.

Heworth kept alive hopes of a comeback when debutant Fergus Chapman scored under the posts. The conversion was missed, however, and the Bulls wrapped things up with an interception try by Alex Foster converted by Cardwell. Norman added a field goal with nine minutes remaining to complete the win.