HEWORTH ARLFC crowned a superb season by securing the National Conference League Group G title with an extremely hard-earned 16-6 victory over Drighlington at Elmpark Way, writes David Ward.

It was a frustrating error-strewn showing from the Villagers, with the visitors doing their utmost to spoil the party by slowing the game down at every opportunity and stifling their customary expansive style of free-flowing rugby.

Heworth though dug deep and showed the great strength of character which has epitomised their year, to eventually grind out the win and take the title ahead of the start of the NCL play-offs.

The Villagers did manage to get themselves on the scoreboard after only four minutes when hooker Ben Dyson-Dent forced his way over direct from acting half back for an unconverted try.

This turned out to be the only points of a scrappy first half with the hosts, despite plenty of effort, struggling to cope with Drighlington’s spoiling tactics and resolute defence, which led to a series of unforced errors and a lack of cohesion.

The Black and Whites came out in determined mode in the second period and after a fractious opening quarter of an hour they finally got into their stride just before the hour mark.

On 58 minutes stand-off Danny Allan and second rower Liam Watling combined to send captain Fraser West over for a well worked score.

Centre George Elliott slotted the conversion to put them 10-0 ahead.

Seven minutes later, Drighlington set home nerves jangling again when hooker Steve McIntyre crossed and scrum-half Michael Sanderson added the extras to reduce the deficit to four points.

The Villagers though were not to be denied and after having a try in the left corner chalked off by the referee for a forward pass, the match winning score came with ten minutes remaining.

Elliott put loose forward Tyler Craig through a gap in the away side’s defence to touch down before stroking over his second conversion to seal a hard fought but deserved victory against winless Drighlington.

Prop forward Harry Aldous was man of the match for the Villagers with fellow front rower Jonny Payne and West in close contention.

Heworth’s efforts have earned them a home tie in the last 16 of the play-offs against Group F’s Lock Lane on Saturday (2.30pm).

The Castleford outfit finished second behind unbeaten leaders West Bowling in their group, recording nine wins from 13 matches.

Heworth’s city rivals York Acorn were unable to join the Villagers in the NCL play-offs despite a 48-28 victory in their final regular season match.

Acorn recovered from trailing 12-0 to eventually prevail as comfortable winners.

Callum Worthington was the star of the show for the hosts as he claimed a hat-trick of tries, with Lewis Lord, Lewis Brown, Jordan Myers also crossing the line.

Adam Speck, Ben Tenge and Tim Evans were also on the scoresheet for the Acorn and their crucial tries held off a Myton rally, having reduced the deficit at 36-28 during the second half.

Half-back Antony Chilton scored six goals for the home side.

For Myton, Liam Ward bagged a double, Ash James finished with a try and two goals, Adam Piggott and Ryan Walker touched down while Kris Walker hit two conversions.