AN inability to keep hold of the ball cost Heworth ARLC Under-18s as they lost their top-of-the-table Yorkshire Combination division two clash with Hull side Sutton Trust Lambwath 18-0.

Heworth started well with strong defence giving them territorial advantage. How-ever, sloppy handling allowed Sutton to weather the storm and, after prolonged pressure on the Heworth line, they opened the scoring.

Heworth responded with ferocious tackling, man-of-the-match Giles Smith at the forefront, and, with a few sets completed, it seemed they were gaining dominance. However, Sutton had other ideas and crept in for another try.

Heworth dominated the rest of the first half but lacked a clinical edge as they did the start of the second, spending long periods in Sutton’s half.

However, a lack of composure at vital moments denied them a score and the Hull side benefited from Heworth’s inability to keep the ball to score under the sticks, soon followed by a fourth try.

Josh Bolam, Tyler Craig, Tom Hirst, Dan Perkins, Craig Richardson and Luke Campbell stood out for the Villagers.

Mistakes continually spoiled York Acorn U18s’ best work as they lost 32-12 at Normanton in division one.

The cold, rainy conditions made free-flowing rugby difficult, but Acorn got off to a flier, when a long pass put Tyler Dawson over on the right wing to complete their opening set.

However, in a sign of things to come, a mix-up at the restart allowed Normanton to claim the ball and they quickly equalised.

Acorn looked the most likely to score next but poor marker play allowed Normanton to plunge over against the run of play.

More Acorn slackness allowed Normanton to score two tries from tap penalties, one converted, to go 18-4 up.

Acorn man-of-the-match Jordan Hyde showed the required desire, but few team-mates were prepared to tough it out, as Normanton continued to dominate.

In the second half the visitors started to front up, and good field position created the chance for Gareth Smith to score.

Josh Mortimer lost the ball over the try-line, but the home team’s lead was cut further when James Leaf pressured the winger under a high Anthony Chilton kick and pounced on the fumble.

However, two late long-range efforts sealed Normanton’s win.

Acorn U16s are still working hard to find a victory but lost 28-16 to Harehill Pigeons, despite fielding a full side for the first time. It was 16-16 with ten minutes left, but simple errors and a lack of discipline saw the Pigeons get the win.

Jim Martin was Acorn’s man of the match and scored a try, Ryan Duffell ruffled a few feathers, and other try-scorers were debutant Ben Walker and Danny Atkins.

Heworth U15s pulled away from the bottom of Yorkshire League division one with a hard-fought 28-20 victory over basement boys Methley Warriors.

This was a must-win game for the Villagers who have struggled in recent weeks, and they dug deep to make sure of the points late on – though the result was marred by a broken wrist to Ben Barker.

Jack Stewart got two tries, the second putting his side two scores clear in dying minutes.

Luke Caddy scored a barnstorming try, while Josh Poulter dummied close to the line and snaked out an arm to score. Peter Clarke, Elliot Bulmer and Jason Smith were strong throughout, with Clarke scoring a try.

Harry Deighton boot four conversions.

Outstanding defence helped Acorn U11s enjoy a fine result at Dudley Hill in cold and muddy conditions.

Man-of-the-match Thomas Atkin led the scoring at the other end with a hat-trick, while other touchdowns came from Nathan Shepherd, top tackler Owen Levers, Jack Wyard and Reece Maynard.

New Earswick All Blacks U10s put in a superb performance to run out 42-12 winners at Oulton Vikings.

Josh Ireland was at his best, poaching four well-taken tries, while the rampaging Jimmy Piggott bagged a double and Tom Noble and Harry Suter also crossed the whitewash. Daniel Craven had his best game in All Black colours along with Daniel Watson, who again was outstanding, and Harvey Baynes, who marshalled the team well.

Acorn U10s lost 20-16 in appalling weather to East Leeds, having fought back from 16-4 at half-time, despite losing the in-form Cameron Rostron to a knee injury.

Try-scorers were most improved player Ben Atkins (2) and star performer Edward Nelson (2), while coaches’ player of the match Jake Wright also excelled.