HEWORTH ARLFC claimed the bragging rights of the city and top spot in the National Conference League Group G after a dramatic 14-13 victory over local rivals York Acorn, writes David Ward.

A huge crowd turned out at Thanet Road for a derby clash that was decided by Villagers half-back Liam Jackson, who put over a field-goal three minutes into the second period of golden point extra time.

The result sees Heworth still top of Group G, with Acorn down to third and behind West Hull, who have taken their final play-off spot as the season reaches its climax this month.

The Villagers produced a near perfect first half with a robust defensive effort denying the hosts any decent field position.

It was no surprise then when on the quarter hour mark they went in front with a slick handling movement leading to wingman James Morland crossing in the right corner.

Centre Tyler Craig added a fine touchline conversion.

Eight minutes later, Heworth increased their advantage when another flowing move down the opposite flank put winger Adam Dent over for an unconverted score.

Heworth were now on the front foot and exerted strong pressure on the home line, but were kept at bay by some stout defending.

That was until two minutes from the break when the visitors forced Acorn into conceding a penalty which Craig stroked over for a well deserved 12-0 half time lead.

The Villagers went straight on the attack in the second period but a stray pass gifted the hosts possession and gave them the chance to sweep downfield and create a good attacking position of their own.

On 43 minutes came a defining moment which changed the whole momentum of the match.

Former York City Knights back Craig was sin binned for a late tackle and just two minutes later Acorn took full advantage of the extra man as hooker Lewis Lord touched down.

Stand-off Antony Chilton added the extras.

It was most certainly game on when, on 53 minutes, scrum-half Lewis Brown went in for their second touchdown which Chilton improved to level the scores at 12-12.

The remaining period was a pulsating affair with both sides exerting strenuous efforts to gain the ascendancy.

And with eight minutes remaining Jackson nosed Heworth in front with a field goal only for Brown to respond with a similar effort three minutes later to send the match into golden point extra time.

As the tension mounted the first five minute period remained scoreless and then, two minutes from time with everyone watching holding their breath, Jackson slotted the match-winning one-pointer to spark rapturous scenes from the Black and White faithful.