The scene is set for a thrilling finale at Elm Park Way on Wednesday night when victory over title hopefuls West Hull will ensure National Conference premier division safety for Heworth.

Driving force: Heworth's man-of-the-match Craig Forsyth's drive to stopped by two Saddleworth tacklers

The Villagers stayed on course for the great escape with a fine 18-10 home win over Saddleworth Rangers on Saturday to keep their survival hopes in their own hands.

But they could not ask for a tougher test to complete the job - victory for West Hull will win them the championship ahead of nearest rivals Skirlaugh.

Whatever happens, Heworth have done incredibly well to still be in with a fighting chance. Saturday's victory against fifth-placed Saddleworth was their second in succession, coming on the back of an unlikely 6-2 win at Walney Central.

It was a deserved success too as Heworth raced into a 14-0 interval lead.

Loose forward Jason Gatus got the first points on the board after seven minutes. A good drive from Mark Cregan took play inside the Rangers 20 metre area before the impressive Craig Forsyth's inside pass allowed Gatus to crash over and leave himself an easy conversion.

Gatus added a penalty 10 minutes later then almost immediately Cregan, who had an outstanding first half, grabbed Heworth's second try when he finished off a good passing move along the line. Gatus added the goal from a difficult angle to complete the first half scoring.

Wayne Foster was sinbinned after 35 minutes for holding down but Heworth's defence held firm, mainly due to the efforts of Gatus and hooker Mark Atkin.

The second half was a different story though and Saddleworth fought back to give the Villagers a scare. Sloppy tackling allowed winger Marlon Miller to jink through to score and Peter Simpson's goal narrowed the gap.

Centre Nathan Witty then scored his first try of the season to extend Heworth's lead once more after good work by Forsyth, Tote Howcroft and Danny Wright.

But Gatus was unsuccessful with the kick and as Saddleworth piled on the pressure they were eventually rewarded 10 minutes from time when prop Lee Fletcher scored on the last tackle. Fortunately for Heworth Simpson missed the goal and, even though Andy Mercer had a try disallowed, they were able to hang on.

Mercer, Atkin and Rich Darling all picked up leg injuries though they will be hopefully by fit for the West Hull showdown, while Heworth were boosted by the return of scrum half Chris Hammerton, who managed 20 minutes, and Wright who had no reaction to his neck problem.

So it's onto Wednesday's winner take all clash, though Heworth are not necessarily doomed even if they lose. Although a win would ensure they finish above Askam, if they are beaten then Wigan St Patricks would still need to win one of their remaining two games to send Heworth down.

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