Heworth took the city honours when their over-35s side, the Has Beens, outplayed York Acorn counterparts the Past Masters in a match at Elm Park Way.

However, the real winners were injured Heworth players Rob "Bosh" Goodall and Gavin Wilson, for whose benefit the clash was organised.

As reported in the Evening Press, Goodall, a former Great Britain Under-23 amateur international, sustained serious back injuries and a broken leg in a fall in Spain, while 14-year-old Wilson broke his neck in a mountain bike accident.

The aim of the game was to raise money to aid their recovery, and in a moving gesture after the contest, Goodall handed over the full amount of the cash raised - £1,660 - to Wilson, whose injuries are more severe.

A large crowd saw the Villagers' old guard put on a fine performance to win 24-0, though the visitors also played their part, having been the better side for the opening quarter.

Heworth half-backs Phil Sturdy - who as man of the match was presented with a wristwatch donated by Acorn Supporters Club - and Brendan Carlyle were in fine form, while tries came from Sturdy, wingers Andy Mercer (2) and Tony Carr, all converted by centre Neil Rennison. Pete Lockwood and Gary Clapham had fine games for Acorn.

A curtain-raiser saw Heworth Under-15s beat Acorn Under-15s 48-0.

Updated: 11:04 Thursday, August 23, 2001