THERE was to be no miracle win for Heworth on Saturday as they crashed to their 19th Arriva Trains Conference division two defeat of the season against promotion-chasing Castleford Panthers.

The Villagers went into the game on the back of only their fourth win of the season but doubling up was always going to be difficult against a side needing the win to take top spot in the three-horse race for the two promotion places.

And so it proved as the Panthers romped to an 11-try 56-6 win, led by former York Wasps favourite Jamie Benn.

The ex-Dewsbury star, playing at stand-off, did not score any tries himself but created several for the players around him and added five goals.

Heworth's best players, meanwhile, were back-rowers Wayne Foster and Luke Judson while their only try came from regular scorer Gavin Grant, the impressive winger notching his 19th touchdown of the season - an excellent return given the club's position in the re-election zone.

Chris Hammerton added a conversion to the first-half interception try but that was all Heworth could muster on the scoreboard as they trailed 32-6 at the break and conceded 24 more points without reply in the second period.

At the other end, powerhouse prop Craig Potter bagged a hat-trick to lead the Panthers' scoring, followed by centre Neil Pycroft who scored two.

Tries also came from wingers Danny Agar and Kieran Hickman, scrum-half Kevin Till, loose-forward Paul Steel, second-row Andrew Smith and centre Arron Gornall. Paul Walshaw added one conversion.

Heworth spokesman Ken Sykes said: "We were well-beaten. It was quite an indifferent display but they're a good side.

"They're a young, fit side and Jamie Benn makes a difference as he dictates quite a lot of the play."

The Panthers now face third-placed East Hull in their last game of the season needing at least a point to win promotion.

Heworth, meanwhile, round off their campaign next week with the small matter of the city derby against arch-rivals York Acorn.

The Black and Whites' only real joy of the season came with victory at Thanet Road but Acorn, who were not in action this weekend, will be seeking revenge plus confirmation that they are the city's top amateur club.

New Earswick All Blacks' hopes of a top-four play-off place in the CMS Yorkshire were dashed as Batley Boys leapfrogged them in their last game of the season with a shock 22-14 win at second-placed Kippax.

The hosts had needed the win to have any chance of lifting the title but let slip a 10-6 interval lead as Batley crossed through Darren Butler (2), Kevin Hall and Adrian Lister with Gary Wilson adding three goals. Batley thus went above New Earswick on points difference.

All Blacks, who had already finished their league programme, are guaranteed fifth place. They could also end the season with silverware as they meet York Groves in the final of the York and District Cup next week.

Pennine League division five champions York Acorn 'A' completed their season with a 46-16 defeat of Wetherby Bulldogs, while fourth-placed Selby Warriors won their derby against York Groves 30-16. Match reports will be published later in the week.

Updated: 11:24 Monday, April 05, 2004