HEWORTH secured a third place finish in Kingstone Press National Conference League division three with a 54-20 home success over Oldham St Annes.

The Villagers' win at Elmpark Way earned them a home tie with Drighlington in the promotion play-off semi-final on Saturday.

After struggling to find form in recent weeks, the Villagers were back to their imperious best.

A scintillating first half display saw them post seven tries to lead 34-10 at the break and they went on to add four further touchdowns in the second period to run out comprehensive winners.

There was no sign of things to come when, following a successful 40-20 kick in the first set of six tackles, the visitors took the lead with a try by hooker Kendal Davies goaled by loose forward Matt Whitehead.

Heworth levelled after six minutes when scrum-half Liam Jackson stepped his way over from close range and centre George Elliott knocked over the conversion.

Four minutes later they hit the front when a swift handling movement led to second rower Fergus Chapman crossing wide out and Elliott added the extras to make it 12-6.

On 18 minutes, the lead was increased with Elliott this time being the provider after breaking through on the halfway line and finding second rower Liam Watling up in support to go over for an unconverted score.

Heworth were now looking unstoppable and five minutes later Chapman added his second touchdown, followed immediately by prop Liam Richmond who charged over unopposed under the posts for Elliott to improve.

The onslaught continued with Elliott and fellow centre Gareth Watson notching further tries before, right on the stroke of half-time, Oldham centre Joe Hartley crossed for an unconverted score to reduce the deficit to 34-10.

Any thoughts of a comeback by the visitors were dispelled five minutes into the second half when winger Jake Atkinson went over in the right corner for the Black and Whites' eighth try.

The Saints hit back through substitute Michael Cashin before the hosts regained full control with second touchdowns for Richmond and Elliott along with one by full-back Fraser West and a conversion apiece for Elliott and Atkinson.

The visitors had the final word in the closing seconds with a consolation effort from winger Callum Cashin, improved by scrum-half Luke Skilling.

In an impressive all round performance, Richmond and Watling both featured in the Villagers' man of the match awards.