HEWORTH ARLC's eagerly-awaited return to the National Conference League ended in a disappointing 40-28 defeat at Eastmoor Dragons.

In a division three game of contrasting fortunes, the Villagers put in a near-perfect display in the first half and looked on course for success when leading 28-4 nine minutes into the second period.

But the loss of centres Gareth Watson and Adam Dent severely affected their structure and the hosts, on the back of two quick tries, went on to complete a remarkable comeback by adding four further touchdowns.

Heworth made a whirlwind start with hard-working prop Jonny Cambridge forcing his way over from close range after only two minutes. Debutant winger Eddy Clapham added the conversion.

Seven minutes later they went further ahead when impressive handling saw Dent over in the left corner for an unconverted score and, on 17 minutes, stand-off George Elliott burst his way past several defenders to make it 14-0.

The Villagers continued to dominate, completing their sets and denying their opponents both possession and territory, and a flowing move down the left just before the half-hour mark saw winger Jake Atkinson and Dent exchange passes and the centre race away to score his second try, with Clapham goaling.

Just past the half-hour mark, fellow centre Watson broke through on the halfway line and found second-rower Liam Watling up in support to go in for Heworth's fifth touchdown of the half.

Unfortunately for Heworth, Watson had to leave the field shortly after creating the score.

Just two minutes from the break, the Dragons gave themselves a glimmer of hope with an unconverted try by scrum-half Jacob Crossland to reduce the deficit to 24-4.

But nine minutes into the second period, the Black and Whites looked to have regained the upper hand when Clapham followed up a kick from Watling to score in the right corner to make it 28-4.

Suddenly and dramatically, however, the game turned on its head.

Eastmoor responded on 53 minutes through centre Jason Roberts and, after Heworth's restart went out on the full, Crossland notched his second touchdown from the resulting penalty. Veteran stand-off and player-coach Adie Mulcahy tagged on both conversions.

With Dent then having to retire through injury, the Villagers completely lost their shape and began to struggle to contain the rejuvenated hosts.

On the hour mark, full-back Danny Johnson crossed for another Mulcahy-goaled effort to put them only six points behind.

The writing was now on the wall for the visitors and the rampant Dragons went on to add three further tries from substitute Kevin Brown, prop Charlie Handforth and hooker Robbie Powell, all of which Mulcahy improved to record what had looked an unlikely victory and leave the Villagers despondent.

Prop Cambridge took the man-of-the-match award for Heworth.