HEWORTH's bid to avoid relegation from the NCL Premier Division was ended with a 30-14 defeat to defending champions Hunslet on the final day of the season.

In a highly entertaining contest at Elmpark Way, the Villagers earned plaudits for a committed and tenacious performance that ensured the South Leeds outfit had to work hard for the points, but could not see themselves across the line in their relegation decider.

The Black and Whites trailed 12-8 at the end of a closely-contested first half in which they matched their opponents blow for blow, but fought back to take the lead just two minutes after the break.

Hunslet however upped the intensity and went on to post three tries in a dominant 14-minute period to close out the match and consign the gallant hosts to first division rugby in 2025. 

The visitors showed their intentions early and opened the scoring after four minutes with a try by prolific winger Tyler Dargan converted by stand-off Jordan Gale.

Heworth though were undeterred and six minutes later showed what they were capable of when a quick shift to the left and a fine cut-out pass from scrum-half Jack Sadler led to centre Billy Sturdy crossing by the corner flag for a well-worked score.

Sadler's conversion attempt from the touchline bounced back off the upright.

Both sides continued to show their attacking qualities and their was little to choose between the two teams until the 20th minute when Hunslet increased their advantage to eight points with a touchdown by full-back Josh McLelland improved by Gale.

The Villagers though showed plenty of resilience and hit back on the half-hour when the visitors failed to deal with a neat grubber kick from Sadler and winger Adam Dent followed up to touch down to reduce the deficit to four points.

The remainder of the half was evenly contested, with each side creating scoring opportunities, but defences held firm and the visitors led 12-8 at the break.

Heworth though gave themselves a huge lift just two minutes into the second half by producing their best try of the match.

Sadler wrong-footed the Hunslet defence before finding Sturdy on a superb inside angled run, who raced unopposed to go over under the posts for his second of the afternoon.

Sadler added the extras to put them in front for the first time in the contest at 14-12.

Their lead however was short lived and lasted only four minutes before visiting winger Will Cohen crossed the whitewash and another Gale conversion restored Hunslet's four point advantage.

Buoyed, the visitors kept their foot on the gas which started to create unforced errors by the home side.

They duly capitalised to produce tries for hooker Jack McShane and substitute Tommy Corke on 55 and 60 minutes respectively.

Gale completed a perfect afternoon with the boot as Hunslet ran out 30-14 winners,  but the Villagers could hold their heads high for an impressive and whole hearted display to round off a challenging season.

For the second consecutive week Jack Sadler scooped Heworth's Man of the Match award with Liam Richmond, Harrison Briggs and Billy Sturdy also prominent.