Heworth ARLC might have been knocked out of the GMB Union National Cup but they can take credit from their defeat.

The Villagers lost 30-4 at home to West Hull but were giving away 21 placings in the National Conference League to the first division title-chasers and put up a decent fight, even though they lost player-coach Chris Smith after only half an hour.

Smith, playing at stand-off, hobbled off with a recurrence of his hamstring injury.

Spokesman Ken Sykes enthused: "We only scored near the end but it was no more than we deserved.

"They were a bit sharper, a bit quicker at the play-the-balls and played the game a bit faster, but we actually played pretty well and there was no lack of effort.

"We had quite a bit of possession and quite a lot of pressure but we could not break through a pretty solid defence. But we were quite proud of our young team as it was a very spirited display."

Heworth's late consolation came from man of the match Nikki Wilson, who crossed in the corner after some good passing. Wilson had started the game at full-back but switched to centre after a reshuffle due to injuries.

Luke Judson also shone at loose-forward, never lowering his efforts, while teenager Paul Thompson impressed on the wing and then at full-back.

West Hul were 16-0 up at half-time thanks to two tries by centre Stuart Taylor, one after a high kick was miss-fielded by the defence, and full-back Loz Wildbore, albeit off a suspiciously forward pass. Wildbore added two conversions.

Heworth were the better side in the third quarter but their opportunities came to nothing and substitute forward Rob Shaw increased the visitors' lead with a try on 62 minutes.

Chris Lee also crossed when Heworth were caught napping by a blind-side move from a scrum, Wildbore goaling, and centre Stuart Leake also crossed after a 40-metre run down the left before Wilson went over for the hosts with five minutes left.

York Acorn, whose tie at top Cumberland League side Hensingham was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, will visit National Conference division two side Huddersfield Sharks in round four if they progress. The rearranged tie is likely to be played next week.

Updated: 10:31 Monday, January 23, 2006