A late conversion by Milford Marlins scrum-half Martin Kelly condemned Heworth to their first defeat of the National Conference League division two season after a thrilling game.

Heworth had led 21-16 going into the last six minutes but then substitute Mick Moran kicked ahead and, aided by a lucky bounce, held the ball to touch down his second try of the game, and Kelly added the extras to give the hosts a single-point win, 22-21.

Villagers spokesman Ken Sykes said: "The luck we've had over the last couple of weeks deserted us there. We probably deserved something from the game, but we're not to discouraged by the defeat."

Winger Andy Moran put Milford ahead on two minutes and Paul Dunkerley added a second try before Dan Briggs - a substitute in Great Britain Students' 28-12 defeat of BARLA GB Under-21s on Friday night, in which York pal Anthony Howcroft scored a try - pulled Heworth back into it, with Carling goaling the try.

After the interval, a Jason Gatus drive set up Sam Clarke to score for the fifth consecutive game, with Carling adding the extras to put Heworth 12-8 up.

But then Kelly superbly kicked ahead for Andy Moran to sprint 50 yards for his second try to level matters and, although a Mick Harrison field goal put Heworth back in front, Mick Moran won a race for the line for his first try of the game.

Heworth came back with a Gavin Grant try, following a fine Harrison pass, plus two Carling penalties, but Mick Moran then scored his vital second try, with Kelly finally adding a conversion to win the game.

Grant came close to scoring a try for Heworth in the dying minutes and then in injury time a Harrison drop goal attempt went just wide.

Updated: 11:39 Monday, October 01, 2001