Alfie Hancock scored his first-ever try as Heworth ARLC Under-11s’ fine form continued with a 26-10 win in a tense battle against Oulton Vikings.

The real winner here was junior rugby, as both sides kept the crowd entertained in a thriller at Elm Park Way.

Heworth scored the only try in the first half as Jake Wright fought his way over, Sam Young goaling.

The two sides were playing the ball quicker and with better handling skills then the last time they met, both using the width of the pitch to good effect.

Defences were solid, too, aided by some last-ditch tackles.

The first seven minutes of the second half changed the course of the game, as Josh Rogerson gathered the restart and returned it under the posts and, within minutes, Rogerson intercepted to again sprint 50 metres to the line.

Oulton responded with a close-range try and nearly scored again, only for home full-back Harry Sheppeard to force them into touch.

Shay North then put Hancock over in the corner and Wright scored his second of the game after another strong run, before Oulton bagged a consolation.

Heworth U9s put up another fine display despite losing by one try against a strong Stanningley side.

Charlie Nicholson was named the Villagers’ man of the match for his solid attacking, while Niall Bowlby took a couple of big hits but came back fighting to win the most improved player award.

Jak Ostergaard scored a fine try and topped the tackle count, Kian Oliver added another two to his tally and picked up the magic moment award, and Harry Griffiths also crossed and was the opposition’s choice of man of the match.

Robbie Gibb Kirk was New Earswick U8s’ man of the match and scored their try in a tough match against Dewsbury Celtic.

Adam Lee took the ‘magic moment’ award for a try-saving tackle after chasing his man back, and Reece Officer was the ‘rising star’. All the team were named the most improved players.

Heworth U8s won three out of three at the Garforth Gala, then toppled a strong Castleford Panthers the next day.

Heworth started the brighter and, despite going behind, recovered for Kane Cavanagh to power over, one of many big runs which earned him the ‘magic moment’ vote.

Myles Harrison showed great pace and footwork to cross in the corner and man-of-the-match Leon Mooring got a deserved try from a set-piece.

Panthers came back in the second half but another set-play from the industrious Callum Rutland gave Heworth enough to hold on to.

Josh Gallmore made his debut and other notable performances came from Jack Young, Jake Edgar and the ever-improving Jay Richards.