HAVE-A-GO Heworth ARLFC were less than 15 minutes away from their first National Conference League second division win.

The villagers, who have laboured to get to grips with the new structure, led visitors Featherstone Lions 18-14.

But just 13 minutes from time they succumbed to a scoring blitz from the Lions, who eventually posted a 38-18 conquest – a magin of victory that did not reflect the hosts’ overall contribution to the clash.

Heworth started brightly and forged into the lead after just six minutes when centre Sam Johnson outpaced the Lions’ defence to score under the posts. Stand-off Tom Barron converted.

Soon after winger Chris Taylor fed Tyler Craig to dive over.

The visitors hit back with tries from Anthony Yates and Alex Land to trim the deficit to two points at half-time.

Heworth though got off to a flier after the resumption, substitute Lewis Worthington taking a long pass from Craig to send Gary Watkinson over. Watkinson missed his conversion.

Then the best try of the game was notched by the hosts – Taylor crossing after fine interplay between Mike Welsh and debutant centre Jason Smith.

But the last 17 minutes witnessed a startling collapse as the Lions ran in five converted – and unanswered – tries.

It meant that Heworth’s domination of the first hour of the tussle was to count for nought.

Individually, there were excellent performances from Johnson, Rich Rogers and Taylor.