Heworth 'A' produced a spirited display at home to CMS Yorkshire League division three high-fliers Stanningley 'A' before losing 28-8.

It was the newly constructed team's second game under the direction of player-coach Chris Brown and ex-Great Britain star David Watkinson, whose efforts to boost playing numbers at Elm Park Way are paying off.

A number of ex-players, including Tony Carr, Dave Meek, Mark Green, Dave Edgar,, Gary Horwell, Tony Southerington and Gary Dickinson answered the call and the Villagers' second string had 16 players, in addition to a full senior squad.

Heworth showed enough skill to cause the Stanningley defence trouble but lack of match fitness and heavy conditions took their toll. Nigel Wilson led the team well in the forwards, while Chris Brown, brother Stuart and prop Edgar shone in a hard-working team display.

Veteran centre Meek crossed in the first half, with Wilson repeating the feat in the second.

Updated: 11:15 Tuesday, February 17, 2004