A TERRIBLE opening 15 minutes saw Heworth 'A' on their way to a 32-24 defeat at Allerton Bywater in Yorkshire League division three.

The Villagers conceded 20 points without reply before steadying themselves.

Allerton proved dangerous with the ball but frail without it as Heworth pulled back 12 points before half-time with tries by Mark Watkinson and Sean Brough, both goaled by Gary Watkinson.

Heworth were down to 11 men at the start of the second half due to a blood-bin and a sin-bin and Allerton took advantage with two tries. But when the numbers were even again, Mark Watkinson's second try, again improved by cousin Gary, saw Heworth counter.

Allerton came back strongly with another try but John Jowitt crossed for the Villagers, with Watkinson converting to set up a tense finale.

Kevin Gott was man of the match, with Dan Sinclair, Matt Corr and Ceri Penharwood also impressive.

Wetherby Bulldogs progressed in the York and District ARL Cup with a narrow 15-12 victory at York Groves.

Wetherby were 14-0 up at half-time but Groves player-coach Simon Moat got his side to raise their game.

The York side were rewarded with an excellent try by scrum-half John Thompson. Jason Dunn converted.

Groves came close to scoring several times before Paul Watson gathered a cross-field ball to touch down. Dunn added the extras.

Groves piled on the pressure in the later stages to set up a nail-biting finish. Star men for Groves were Watson, Paul Scott and Keith Holmes.

In Yorkshire League division two, York Acorn 'A' conceded to Dewsbury Moor.

Updated: 09:14 Tuesday, March 04, 2003