Heworth ARLC drew 14-14 at home to Milford in their last pre-season match before their National Conference division two campaign kicks off.

Mike Welsh and Dan Briggs crossed in the first half and Ian Jones added a goal for a 10-4 lead, while Luke Judson scored in the second half.

Spokesman Ken Sykes said it was an "encouraging performance" against a first division side ahead of the league campaign, which begins in two weeks.

Heworth 'A' also played well, albeit in a 30-14 defeat to higher-ranked Milford 'A'. Joe Murphy, Dave Varley and Stuart Watson crossed, with the latter adding a goal, as Heworth at least won the second half.

New Earswick All Blacks will finally get their first fixture of pre-season on Thursday when they entertain local rivals York Acorn at White Rose Avenue.

The Conference division one and two seasons starts on Saturday, September 3.

Updated: 10:29 Tuesday, August 23, 2005