Heworth 'A' moved up to third in Yorkshire League division three after a gritty 14-10 win at Sherburn.
The Villagers reserves have played more games than the teams around them, but their place in the table underlines the improvement in a side which last season nearly folded after struggling to fulfil several fixtures.
It was a tough game in difficult conditions and it was in the balance as Heworth led only 4-0 at half-time thanks to a try wide out by full-back Steve Jepson, especially as Sherburn had the slope after the break and Heworth had a few injuries.
The hosts did equalise but Gareth Kirby's converted try in the corner and a touchdown for Gavin Grant after a defensive mix-up put Heworth clear and, although the hosts ensured a close finish with a converted try, Gary Watkinson's penalty at the other end finished the scoring.
Kevin Gott excelled in defence in a fine Heworth effort, well supported by Chris Varley, John Bird, Joe Murphy and Ron Ainsworth.
Selby Warriors pulled off a big shock in Pennine League division four as they enjoyed a fine 35-18 win at leaders Brighouse Rangers 'A'.
The Warriors remain in mid-table, in sixth, but only points-difference divides the five teams occupying the places between third and seventh.
York Acorn 'A' fell to a 27-16 loss at home to Lindley Swifts in division three.
New Earswick's division one game at Kippax was postponed, meaning the All Blacks, previously involved in cup runs, have still only played three league games, up to six less than teams around them.
New Earswick must do what neighbours Heworth could not do last year in order to reach the third round of the GMB Union National Cup.
All Blacks have been drawn to visit Ellenborough in round two, the Cumberland League side having knocked out Heworth of the competition in March of the 2003-04 season.
York Acorn also make the long trip to Cumbria to visit Flimby - a team with no wins in eight games of Cumberland League's bottom tier - while Heworth have been drawn at home to Yorkshire League side Hunslet Old Boys.
York Groves were unable to pull off a massive shock in the first round as they went down as expected on Saturday to leading North West Counties club Haydock 54-2.
Updated: 10:22 Tuesday, November 29, 2005
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