Heworth kept up the pressure on National Conference League division two leaders York Acorn by sustaining their own unbeaten start to the season.

The Villagers saw off Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks, who are without a win this season, but the contest and 30-20 scoreline showed that the visitors were no pushovers.

Heworth spokesman Ken Sykes said: "We played well in parts and, although there were a few lapses which allowed them to score 20 points, which is a bit worrying, we scored some excellent tries.

"They are a better side than their position indicates. Although they've lost all five games they've not lost by great margins and I think they will do alright this season, so it was still quite a good win."

That said, the Hawks reached the double-figure mark for only the first time this season, so the Villagers may indeed do well to look at their defence. On the attacking front, however, things seem to be fine.

Hawks raced into an 8-2 lead with a Scott Wallace try and two Jon Nicholls goals, while Dave Carling goaled a penalty for the hosts.

But by half-time, Heworth had scored a further 16 points without reply as Nathan Witty and Sam Clarke both touched down with Carling adding all the extras.

The Hawks came back with a try by hooker Barry McGuffog which Nicholls goaled and, although Heworth debutant Nigel Wilson grabbed a try following good play by Brendan Carlylse with Carling goaling a penalty, a superb solo effort by Dave Evans plus Nicholls' conversion reduced the gap to just six points.

However, Carlyle notched the decisive final try with 13 minutes left and Carling's fifth goal made the game safe.

Updated: 11:46 Monday, September 24, 2001