Heworth ARLFC Under-18s kicked off their season with a tough defeat at home to West Leeds – though the 30-16 reverse did not reflect their efforts.

An under-manned team showed promising signs, with Joe Hudson man of the match, closely followed by Tyler Craig, while Lewis Knox and Corey Goodlad made impressive debuts.

Heworth started well from the kick-off but a mis-placed off-load followed by a penalty set up West Leeds for an early opener.

A knock-on had Heworth pressing but again poor decision-making relieved pressure.

Strong running by Hudson and good tackling from Corey Goodlad also set them up well, but again mistakes allowed West Leeds to advance downfield and score. Heworth finally got reward when Hudson picked up from a scrum and raced over, Craig goaling.

There was a spell of consistent work from both sides, not least by Hudson, who, with help from team-mates, twice forced an opponent into touch, and Heworth came out on top when stand-off Barron’s handling skills sent full-back Spud Wilkinson in, Craig goaling.

However, poor defence allowed Leeds to sneak in for a 14-12 half-time lead, and a lack of concentration after the restart widened the gap.

A lengthy stalemate ensued with poor play from both teams, Leeds crossing amid it all.

A Heworth attack set up when winger Tom Atkins put his counterpart into touch saw Barron slip the ball to Joe Hudson for his second try. But Leeds weathered the late storm and scored again.

New Earswick All Blacks U13s won a tough opener against Fryston 16-14.

All Blacks, fielding six new signings and donning new kit sponsored by Rothwell Electrical Services and Anytime Travel, started superbly.

Props Jim Douthwaite, the ‘outstanding effort’ award winner, and Eoin Manson made yards, and Matt Chilton and George Leatt combined to send debutant Liam Harrison, the opposition’s choice of man of the match, racing away to stop the full-back, Chilton goaling.

Joint-man of the match Chilton’s towering bomb was fumbled in-goal and Luke Adamson’s chase paid off as he dived on the ball.

All Blacks’ indiscipline let Fryston into the game but determined defence and a try-saving tackle by new signing Matthew Ford kept the scores at 10-10 at half time.

All Blacks conceded first after the restart but upped their defensive efforts and hit back through new boy Marcus Paddock from close range. Chilton’s goal gave them a slim lead and strong defence led by joint-man of the match Tom Wilson held Fryston out.

Harry Radcliffe scored six first-half tries as promoted Heworth U13s beat Whinmoor 50-24.

Half-backs Lewis Brown and Louis Brown supplied good ball around the ruck, with newcomer Aaron Varndell also storming through to score. The second half was more even, but Jacob Sutherland’s clever chip allowed Jack Smith to touch down the first of his two tries, and Arran Naismith’s usual strong running also earned him a try. York Acorn U12s started the season with a 34-0 win at Wetherby.

Reece Maynard scored two tries and three goals, while Marcus Deighton impressed on his debut with a try. Top tackler Jack Wyard crossed twice and winger Dalton Brolly once.

Charles Dickinson kicked two goals while Nathan Sheperd was man of the match in a solid team performance.

Heworth U8s opened with a resounding victory at Newsome Panthers. Myles Harrison scored four individual tries with Callum Rutland, Callum Dunmore, Jack Young and Leon Mooring (2) also crossing.

Heworth tightened their defence for the second half up the slope, only conceding twice, and further tries were added by coaches’ player of the match Young, Will Spencer, Jay Richards, Dunmore (2) to complete his hat-trick, and Mooring with another three to take his haul to five and earn the ‘magic moment’ award. Jake Edgar made a bright start in his first game.

Heworth U8s and U9s are keen to recruit more players for this season. Anyone interested can phone Paul on 07753 930606.

Cain North was named man of the match in Heworth U11s’ opening game at Lock Lane. His work rate was tireless.

Sam Young and Shay North tried in vain to spark the visitors but the combinations just did not come off. The first half ended 0-0.

Heworth’s new-look side ran out of steam in the second period as the impressive Lock Lane took control.