A LAST-GASP Stanningley try denied Heworth ARLC Under-10s a fantastic win at Elm Park Way as the visitors edged it 26-24.
Oliver Pratt scored a fantastic hat-trick but it wasn’t quite enough for the Villagers in a thrilling game.
The visitors took an early lead but the Villagers upped the performance in defence with top tackler Keane Brough, Lucas Burden, Liam Foster and Sam Hunt all making important stops, while Ben Young and Oliver Lambert made vital yards to gain a foothold back in the match.
Two scintillating tries by Pratt, leaving opponents in his wake, put the hosts in front, Pratt and Kian Ogilvie adding the goals.
The visitors levelled before a pass from Feargus Brown - who gained the most improved accolade thanks to his excellent distribution - gave parents’ man-of-the-match Hunt a chance but he couldn’t force the ball down.
Stanningley went ahead after half-time as the hosts’ line speed slowed.
But Heworth rallied with a magic moment try by prop Lambert who beat two players and got over with four others holding on. Hunt converted.
Pratt raced away for a superb third try and Brown’s excellent goal put Heworth 24-16 ahead.
But, in the last five minutes, Stanningley hit back and a turnover on half-way gave them one last chance which they took to snatch victory.
Heworth U11s, after a few weeks off, lost at Newsome Panthers despite an impressive start and opening try by stand-off Jay Ogilvie, converted by Tyler Monks.
Newsome responded with a try and kept the visitors on the defensive until hooker Harrison Briggs, the parents’ man of the match, scored with a fantastic 50-metre solo effort, again converted by Monks.
The Panthers retook the initiative, though, and a strong attacking display saw them run away with the spoils.
The magic moment award went to Monks after a fantastic catch under pressure. Jay Richards was man of the match and Tom Clarke the top tackler.
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