Heworth ARLC Under-13s began 2009 with a bang as they overcame a strong and determined Drighlington side 26-22 in the first round of the Yorkshire Juniors cup competition.

Heworth started well when the in-form Dave Larkin scored in the corner, adding the first of his three touchline conversions despite the breezy conditions. Drig pressed forward and closed the gap with an unconverted try, and Heworth seemed determined at times to give away possession and territory. However, the visitors were hit on the break as Richard Ashton scored a try converted by Larkin.

Drig continued to dominate and scored a deserved try just before half-time to make it 12-10, and they came out fighting for the second half, scoring a quick converted try to go ahead.

Playing into the wind, Heworth knew they had to step up their pace and that is what centre Lewis Holmes achieved when he burst through the defence to score a classy try converted by Larkin for an 18-16 lead.

Both sides turned up the heat with fierce attacking and tackling, and the game had to be stopped a number of times for injuries. As game entered seven minutes of injury time, the tension was relieved as the strong-running Ashton scored a captain’s try, and Larkin then capped a fine all-round display Larkin with his second try.

Man of the match was forward Nathan Jamieson, whose strong running was the platform for victory. Top tackler was winger Aaron Raftree, while the coaches’ player award went to Nathan Hammerton.

Heworth U14s team enjoyed a quick double over Oulton Raiders by following their Junior Cup win with a 60-0 away rout in the league.

The Raiders again never gave up even though the promotion-chasing York side were much bigger and more skilful.

Both Josh Poulter and Alex Clough were comfortable at full-back, while Harry Deighton, David Hayes and Liam Jackson dictated play. Deighton added eight conversions as well as being solid in defence.

Jordan Potter and Elliot Bulmer both scored hat-tricks while other try-scorers were Dan Coulson, the much-improved Flannan Naismith, Billy Legg, Ben Barker and Jack Stewart, who has relished his move from centre to wing.

York Acorn U13s got back to winning ways beating Nor-manton 32-12 in the YJARL Challenge Cup first round.

Normanton were first to score, but Acorn replied as second-row Ricky Watson touched down and Josh Potter broke from his own half to score, and two further tries came in quick succession from captain Harry Bromwich and Watson.

Goals were added by Liam Lowson and Ashley Robson and, although Normanton scored on half-time, Acorn still led 20-8.

Centre James Dunhill scored a brilliant try and his defence was outstanding to earn him joint-man of the match with prop Robson.

The home side scored again before Acorn sealed the victory with a well-taken try from loose-forward Lowson. Ali Fawcett added two second-half conversions.