RAMPAGING forward Steve Barnard grabbed a hat-trick as Heworth tamed Cottingham Tigers in the National Conference League division two.

The only disappointment for the Villagers was the fact they conceded a controversial converted try late on to deny them a prized clean sheet.

However, the 33-6 romp saw them draw level on points with city rivals York Acorn in the table.

"We thought we had nilled them and the players were disappointed we did not," said spokesman Ken Sykes.

"Their try came from a blatant knock-on but the referee didn't see it, and it was a shame that, having played so well, we didn't nil them.

"Nevertheless it was still an excellent all-round performance and a good game despite the windy conditions."

A devastating burst by scrum-half Mick Harrison set up Nathan Witty to open the scoring for the visitors on six minutes, with the immaculate boot of Dave Carling adding the extras.

Carling was to kick six goals from six attempts despite the swirling wind, his next coming via a 40-metre penalty awarded for offside.

Soon after, a superb 40-20 kick by Harrison set up the field position and the same player put Barnard in for his first touchdown, Carling converting.

A 24th-minute drop goal by Carl Potter on the last tackle made it 15-0, while Barnard got his second try two minutes before the break after Liam Cochrane's grubber kick was fumbled by the defence.

Carling converted to make it 21-0 at the break.

Lee Clarke and Jason Gatus had stood out in that first half, while centres Witty and Nikki Wilson also shone during the game, but it was the half-backs, Har-rison and Potter, who orchestrated the romp.

Harrison also got the next try, going over from a quick play-the-ball after Witty had been held up.

Carling defied the wind from the touchline and also converted Barnard's hat-trick score on 73 minutes, the forward striking from 20 metres out.

Mark Dobson got Tigers' late try, Pritchard converting, but it was of little consolation for the hosts.

Updated: 11:58 Monday, March 11, 2002