Rugby league: National Conference League Division Two

Last updated 15:53, Wednesday, 09 April 2008

EGREMONT completed their away fixtures for the season with a narrow defeat against their rivals from York, Heworth.

Both sides started confidently and appeared to be well matched. For Egremont, Richard Farrer in particular was prominent, with some strong running and equally strong defence. He was rewarded in the 11th minute when, from a smart short pass by Mark Reid, he powered over close to the posts. The try was converted by John Paul Brocklebank.

The home side soon hit back in the 15th minute when they scored a controversial converted try off what appeared to be a forward pass. Heworth then took control of matters and dominated much of the rest of the half, however, Egremont’s defence was good and rarely looked as if it was going to be breached.

However, it was a defensive mixup that allowed Heworth prop Gary Watkinson to stroll over from about 15 metres and their captain/coach Chris Smith went 50 metres to score a converted try, leaving the half-time score16-6 in the home side’s favour.

Egremont started the second half strongly and, within the first minute, had reduced the deficit as that man Farrer once again powered his way over close to the posts for Brocklebank to convert.

The hosts’ man-of-the-match, Sam Clarke, had a hand in all of Heworth’s next three tries, two of which were converted, which saw the home side take a 32-12 lead by the 61st minute.

Egremont refused to give up and, in the 63rd minute, hit back when John Paul Brocklebank scored wide out to reduce the score to 32-16, before, after a break by Luke Higgins, John Hartley scored wide out. A good conversion by Brocklebank reduced the score yet again to 32-22.

The home side seemed to be rattled as Egremont started to dominate matters. They lost possession unnecessarily on their 30 metre line in the 76th minute and Mark Reid snapped up the ball and raced away to touchdown under the posts, with the conversion by Brocklebank, Egremont were well and truly on a roll and back in the game at 32-28.

With all to play for, the final four minutes were tense, however it was the home side who held their nerve and a good try by their full-back in the final minute, made once again by Sam Clarke, claimed the game for Heworth.

Egremont’s final game, on April 19 (2.30pm kick-off), is against Milford Marlins.