HEWORTH ARLC were edged out 26-20 in a scrappy encounter at Featherstone Lions 'A' in Yorkshire Men's League division two.

The game was played in a blustery wind which made passing difficult and led to both sides turning over possession on a regular basis.

The Villagers, fielding a side lacking several regulars, were 12-4 adrift at the break and, despite a valiant effort which brought them back to within two points at 22-20 with 13 minutes remaining, the home side sealed victory with their final try in the 72nd minute.

Featherstone opened their account after five minutes with a try from second rower Kyle Littlewood, converted by stand-off Sam Wilson.

Heworth responded three minutes later when veteran hooker Joe Murphy forced his way over direct from acting half-back for an unconverted score.

The only other points of the first half came on 19 minutes through Lions second rower Chris Box, who crossed for another Wilson goaled effort.

Six minutes into the second period the home side increased their lead with a try by centre Nico Deville, improved by loose forward Torin Longstaffe.

Heworth hit back three minutes later with a touchdown from loose forward Joe Deighton.

On 54 minutes, the hosts looked to have the game sewn up with Box crossing for his second score to make it 22-8.

The Villagers, however, had other ideas and rallied to post two tries in six minutes with winger Dan Craig going over after an excellent pass from stand off Ross Varley followed by an 80-metre interception effort by centre Ben Stoker.

Deighton converted both tries to reduce the deficit to two points at 22-20 and set up a tense finish.

However, the Lions clinched victory with Deville adding his second second touchdown with only eight minutes remaining.

Scrum-half Jordan Bracewell was Heworth's man of the match, with good support from Deighton and prop Wayne Foster.