A POOR second half resulted in a shock defeat for Heworth as they fell 26-20 at Yorkshire Men's League Division One strugglers West Hull.

After leading 14-10 at the break, and 20-10 four minutes into the second half, Heworth looked on course for victory to keep themselves in the promotion race.

However, ill discipline and a plethora of unforced errors let West Hull back into the match and they profited with four unanswered tries to take the two points.

The hosts opened the scoring early on with a try from prop Tom Smalley, and though Dave Heyes levelled minutes later, West Hull regained the lead through Jordan Webster before Kristian Peake converted.

The Villagers hit back though. Player-coach George Elliott put second rower Liam Richmond over the line and Billy Sturdy then gave Heworth the lead after a neat grubber kick from Elliott.

Loose forward Joe Deighton's conversion added to their advantage, and more link-up between Elliott and Richmond saw Heworth move into a ten-point lead after half-time.

But the visitors then hit the self-destruct button and West Hull took advantage. Peake reduced the deficit to six points and gave his side the momentum they needed for an unlikely win, with a hat-trick of tries by centre Josh Atkinson turning the game on its head.

The result means fourth-placed Heworth remain ten points behind leaders New Earswick All Blacks, with York Acorn now hot on their heels in fifth, level on points after beating Odsal Sedbergh 25-18.