MAN-OF-THE-MATCH Dave Larkin scored a hat-trick as Heworth ARLC Under-13s returned to action with a 30-20 win at Townville Tigers.

Townville got the better of the opening exchanges, with Heworth suffering from a lack of game-time over the last few weeks, and opened the scoring with a converted try.

But Villagers hooker Jack Rowson responded, taking the ball from acting-half and diving over to score and, as Heworth picked up the pace, Larkin scythed through for his first try, converted by Nathan Hammerton. The lively Danny Simpson jinked over to increase the lead before errors began creeping into the Villagers’ game, a further score by the home side reducing the deficit to four points at half-time.

Heworth began the second half slowly with the Tigers equalising early on.

But Heworth’s defence moved up a gear with wide players Aaron Raftree, Baxter Hackett, Richard Ashton and Lewis Holmes keeping the Townville attacks at bay, while in centre-field top tackler Jack Rowson continually put the Tigers forwards to ground.

Larkin scored two further tries for his second hat-trick in two games, one of which saw him begin his run in his own half and show outstanding strength and speed. Hammerton goaled.

Townville continued to press and a further converted try brought the scores to 24-20 with ten minutes to go. But Heworth, who have been strong in the last quarter of previous matches, pressed again and captain Richard Ashton ran down the touchline, handed off three players and scored under the posts, Hammerton converting.

This was a battling performance by Heworth against a big Townville outfit. Coaches’ player was Danny Simpson.

York Acorn U13s lost their first league game of the season away to a well-organised Stanley Rangers 30-10.

Acorn, missing two regulars, played well under par.

Stanley scored first, and poor Acorn defence let them in for two more converted tries before Ricky Watson touched down a reply bang on half-time.

Acorn tried to rally, but losing Liam Lowson to an ankle injury did not help and the hosts took advantage to score two more converted tries for a 30-4 lead. Acorn also later lost second-row Josh Thompson to a broken hand.

Acorn prop Ashley Robson and centre Josh Potter worked tirelessly, but their men of the match were second-row Ricky Watson and captain Harry Bromwich.

Acorn never gave in and eventually scored the last try of the game. Bromwich made an excellent run and, although he was stopped on the line, he managed to offload to Zak Agnew. Ali Fawcett added the goal.

The successful Selby Warriors U11s are desperate for new players.

Anyone in school Years 5 and 6 is eligible. The team, coached by Rob Steele and Dave Field, are unbeaten all season but have only got ten players signed on.

Training is on Fridays inside the community centre at Brayton, 5.45pm until 6.45pm. Anyone interested can phone 01977 663187 or 07800 585508.