AFTER beginning the National Conference League division two campaign with five straight victories, Heworth suffered their second consecutive defeat on Saturday.

Visitors Cottingham Tigers, with only one previous success this season, defied their lowly status to win 17-12 at Elm Park Way, sealing their victory with a try five minutes from time.

The Villagers were the better side in the first half, with prop Jason Gatus, loose forward Mark Green and centre Nikki Wilson all superb.

The latter scored the hosts' only try of the game, with the rest of their points coming from the boot of Dave Carling who kicked four goals.

All these points came in that first half and at the break the Villagers led 12-6, Cottingham's points coming via a Gary Mowforth touchdown and a Craig Adams penalty.

The second period was a different story, however, as Tigers' Mowforth, hooker Richard Anderson and loose forward Kirk Abel took control of proceedings.

Mike Langdon crossed for a try and Adams added the extras to tie the scores before Anderson kicked a field goal to put the Tigers ahead for the first time in the match.

Heworth's frustration then came to the fore as Sam Clarke was sent off on 66 minutes for dissent and although they tried to turn it round it wasn't to be.

Indeed Cottingham made full use of their man advantage as teenager Abel went over to seal their victory and a disappointing afternoon for the York side.

Updated: 10:36 Monday, October 08, 2001