A Sam Young double, the second being his 200th try in rugby league, gave Heworth ARLC Under-11s an 18-12 victory in a titanic tussle against Oulton Raiders.

The young Villagers have not lost in seven meetings with the Oulton sides this season, but this was the toughest.

Both sides were terrific in defence as the half-time score of 6-0 to Heworth suggested, man-of-the-match Leon Beattie having crashed over with Young goaling.

But there were many other positives. The Villagers’ handling skills were expressive and quick, leading to oppotunities for wingers Lester Massey and Alfie Oliver, who impressed in his first game for the club.

Shay North also orchestrated things well, Henri Grimbley topped the tackle count, and Tom Kilgar was the opposition’s choice of man of the match as he drove the ball in hard and linked well with his winger.

Heworth went 12-0 up through Young and looked comfortable until ten minutes of madness gifted Oulton field position from which they drew level.

Nevertheless, the Black and Whites worked their way upfield and crafted an opening for Young to score a late winner. The Villagers were also held up over the line three times, with Massey, North and Jake Wright unable to get the ball down.

New Earswick All Blacks U9s’ trio of girls played out of their skins in an excellent game against Bradford Dudley Hill.

Ellena Powell took the top tackler award after a superb display, while Ellie Harrison made three or four very good one-on-one tackles to ground the big boys and receive the girl-of-the-game accolade, and Brooke Myhill was named the rising star.

Ryan Kendra was named man of the match after a length-of-the-field try, with other touchdowns coming from Lewis Young, Taylor McDonough and Joshua Kelly, who also took the magic moment award for a try-saving tackle.

New Earswick U8s showed great improvement in their hard game against Stanley Rangers.

Among the try-scorers were Robbie Kirk, Reece Officer, Joe Harrison, Adam Lee Travis Dale and Charlie Severs.

Heworth U8s were unlucky to lose by a couple of tries to a strong Oulton Raiders side.

Heworth put in a determined effort epitomised by man-of-the-match Will Spencer with some powerful runs. He was supported in defence by the outstanding Leon Mooring, Jake Edgar and Jack Young.

Callum Rutland picked up the magic moment award for a great opportunist try from acting-half, and Myles Harrison capped a tough display with two individual tries, using power and pace to cross the line.

• Heworth are running free taster sessions for six to nine-year-olds on Thursday evenings, 6pm to 7pm, starting on June 16. For more information, phone Carl Deighton on 07784 344109.