Heworth pulled off a fine GMB Union National Cup victory at Waterhead to secure a home third-round tie against Cumbrians Ellenborough Rangers

The Villagers, second-bottom of Arriva Trains Conference division two, are one place below Waterhead in the table and had never beaten them in four previous meetings, but pulled off an 18-16 victory, with a solitary conversion proving the difference.

Both sides scored four tries but only one of nine goal attempts was successful, Gary Watkinson - son of former Great Britain international David - getting the all-important two-pointer from Heworth's last try of the game.

Heworth spokesman Ken Sykes said: "They're a similar level to us and we played well to win it. It was also our first-ever win against them and in that respect it's quite heartening."

Waterhead took the lead as Ron Maders went over after a strong run to the corner but Heworth were soon level as a tremendous break by man of the match Will Neary saw Ian Jones give the scoring pass to Wayne Foster, who forced his way over.

An excellent pass from Brendan Carlyle put Sam Clarke over to give Heworth the lead but Waterhead hit back quickly as scrum-half Nick Wood went over as the Villagers' defence was stretched.

Clarke got his second try after the break thanks to an excellent long pass from substitute prop Gary Watkinson but again Waterhead replied quickly, this time through a try by their best player, Keiron Grennan.

Heworth were back in front, however, on 65 minutes as Luke Judson and Clarke combined to put Gavin Grant over for his 15th try of the season.

With Carl Potter out for the season with a broken thumb, Chris Hammerton took over kicking duties but succeeded to substitute Watkinson and he, having hit the post with an earlier attempt, booted the crucial two points which won the game.

Both teams had chances in the final 15 minutes and it looked like Waterhead were set to equalise again as Martin Bunce crashed over two minutes from time, but the conversion attempt was again missed and Heworth, for whom full-back Jamie Wright and winger John Coulson impressed, held on.

Updated: 11:56 Monday, February 23, 2004