TWELVE-MAN Heworth battled bravely but went down to a 19-4 home defeat to promotion-seeking West Bowling to stay deep in the relegation mire in division one of the National Conference League.

Heworth played 74 minutes of the game a man down after prop Jason Gatus was sent off for an alleged head-butt, and this proved to be a crucial handicap, especially as they tired in the second half.

A Stuart Watson penalty goal for Heworth was the only score of the first half, and the hosts could have one further ahead as mark Green, Liam Cochrane and Sam Clarke all went close.

Their lead lasted until 15 minutes after the break,when stand-off Shaun Fallon went over for the Bradford side, with Dean Garside adding the extras.

Watson landed a second penalty to bring Heworth within two points, but Bowling then made their man advantage pay dividends.

Second row Owen crashed over in the 63rd minute and Innes goaled the try to put the game effectively out of Heworth's reach.

Chris Stott added a one-pointer and Owen's second try, again converted by Innes, sealed the win for Bowling, which moved them level on points at the top of the table after leaders Leigh East drew 12-12 at struggling East Leeds.

Updated: 12:00 Monday, April 16, 2001