Ince Rose Bridge settled a thrilling Impact Performance National Conference League opener in Division One with a converted try in the final few seconds from Rob Valentine.
The loose forward, who has often come to Bridge's aid in recent seasons scored two tries and kicked two goals in an influential performance as the hosts did just enough to hold off a side promoted from Division Two at the end of last season.
Bridge made a good start when Kie Malone somehow grounded the ball in a four-man tackle after four minutes and halfback Ben Cottrill converted. At the other end second row Leon Watkinson spilled a certain chance thanks to good defensive pressure and Liam Richmond was also held up over the line. Jack Earl was also denied by a dubious looking challenge as the hosts rode their luck until the fifteenth minute when Adam Dent supported a superb offload from Danny Allan and Allan tagged on the goal.
The visitors went in front for the first time in the 22nd minute when Liam Jackson combined with Liam Watling for George Elliott to score on the right, but it was too far wide for Allan to goal. Six minutes later, Ince Rose Bridge restored parity when impressive forward Jack Morrison bulldozed over from close range. Valentine's first goal nudged Ince Rose Bridge in front, 12-10, although the hosts were again thankful after Elliott was pulled back from a forward pass and the visitors lay siege to the line until half-time without getting more than a couple of drop outs.
Ince Rose Bridge made a brilliant start to the new half when Kie Eccleston sent Ben Tootle roaring away and he swerved inside a despairing attempt from Adam Dent to score. Valentine put the hosts eight points clear before two tries in three minutes had Heworth in front. The first came from Harrison Briggs who gathered in an attempted chip from Eccleston and turned Pete Valentine in and out over forty metres. George Atang roared down the wing and Allan was then held up, but on the next play wide passing again worked enough space for Elliott to claim his second. Impressive substitute Jack Sadler goaled.
Kyle Malone was put in the sinbin for striking not long after the restart and in his absence, Heworth extended their advantage to eight points when former York and Gateshead centre Tyler Craig burst over after Allan's distribution and Sadler kicked his second goal.
It began to look an uneasy advantage, particularly after the hour Rob Valentine shuffled across field and hit a gap to surge in for his first try in the corner and they were hanging on at the end, particularly facing a heavy penalty count which ultimately handed the position for Valentine to chip over the defence and collect the bounce to score under the posts allowing Cottrill to goal and secure the win for the hosts.
Victory brought a close to a great afternoon of entertainment at Pinfold Street after a three team Masters festival also took place involving the hosts, Westhoughton Lions and Cadishead Rhinos.
Elsewhere in the NCL, promoted Kells picked up their first Premier Division win at Leigh Miners Rangers, Rochdale Mayfield backed up their Challenge Cup heroics against Cornwall with a win over Lock Lane. Three tries in the last ten minutes eventually saw Siddal home against Wigan St Patricks, Wath Brow Hornets shut out York Acorn while West Hull claimed an exciting win over Thatto Heath Crusaders and Hunslet ARLFC piled on the points in the second half to put 54 on Hull Dockers.
Division One saw Pilkington Recs run out winners over Egremont, Skirlaugh just edged out Oulton Raiders, Stanningley saw off the challenge of Featherstone Lions while Clock Face won at Thornhill Trojans and West Bowling were emphatic victors over Crosfields.
Dewsbury Moor Maroons made a great start to their Division Two campaign with a shut-out win at East Leeds, Dewsbury Celtic claimed a hard-fought victory over Myton Warriors, Woolston defeated visiting Barrow Island, Saddleworth collected a fine win at Normanton Knights and Waterhead Warriors backed up their impressive 2022 form with a fifty-point win over Milford. Sadly, the game between Wigan St Judes and Shaw Cross Sharks was abandoned after a serious injury to home second row Callum Palmer in the 34th minute.
Ellenborough Rangers began their NCL life with a comfortable 60-6 win at Seaton Rangers in the standalone fixture in Division Three.
Results:
Premier Division
Leigh Miners Rangers 12 Kells 25
Rochdale Mayfield 28 Lock Lane 18
Siddal 42 Wigan St Patricks 14
Wath Brow Hornets 24 York Acorn 0
West Hull 32 Thatto Heath 22
Hunslet ARLFC 54 Hull Dockers 8
Division One
Pilkington Recs 30 Egremont 22
Skirlaugh 26 Oulton Raiders 24
Stanningley 30 Featherstone Lions 10
Thornhill Trojans 22 Clock Face Miners 36
West Bowling 66 Crosfields 8
Ince Rose Bridge 28 Heworth 26
Division Two
East Leeds 0 Dewsbury Moor Maroons 44
Dewsbury Celtic 16 Myton Warriors 10
Woolston Rovers 24 Barrow Island 16
Wigan St Judes A Shaw Cross Sharks A
Normanton Knights 14 Saddleworth Rangers 18
Waterhead Warriors 56 Milford 4
Division Three
Seaton Rangers 6 Ellenborough Rangers 60
