Heworth ARLC's search for their first points of the National Conference division two campaign continued as they were thrashed in the bottom-of-the-table encounter at Saddleworth.

Both sides, once big names in amateur rugby league, began the game at the foot of the league on no points apiece, and the Villagers stayed that way after a 42-4 defeat which spells danger for the rest of the season.

Heworth have been forced into re-election in the past two years after finishing in the bottom two both times and it already seems they will have a fight on their hands to avoid such ignominy again this term, despite the high hopes of new coaching team Jimmy Rothwell and Steve Smith at the start of the season.

The first half was a tight affair, with Heworth trailing only by 8-4, Saddleworth having ahead two minutes before the break. But a try against the run of play led to the home team streaking clear after the interval with six-try second-half show.

Heworth's only touchdown had come from Matt Howcroft, with Rangers' efforts coming from Emerson Jackman (2), Danny Lowe (2), Mike Rowe, Jimmy Cowans, Neil Kirwan and Danny Attersall, with Adam Kirwan adding five goals.

Heworth spokesman Peter Ulliot said: "A solid first half performance saw us turn round at half-time feeling confident we could get something out of the game. However, two quick tries just after the break extended Saddleworth's lead and took the game away from us.

"As time ticked away, some heads went down making the task more difficult. The loss of skipper Simon Harrison early in the second half did not aid our cause as he had led the forwards well throughout the first half."

Top performances for Heworth came from the experienced trio of Brendan Carlyle, Luke Judson and Danny Briggs.

Updated: 11:01 Monday, September 26, 2005