INJURY-HIT Heworth suffered their heaviest defeat of the season after a 50-0 thrashing by National Conference League premier division leaders Siddal at Elmpark Way.

The Villagers, fielding a side containing several youngsters - and a number of debutants -  showed no lack of effort and battled manfully throughout to stem the tide, but faced a difficult task in coping with the relentless pace and power of an impressive and well-drilled Halifax outfit who are many people's tip to take the NCL  title this year.

The visitors posted four first-half tries to lead 20-0 at the break, and as Heworth's mammoth defensive effort began to take its toll, they then went on to add six further touchdowns to bring up the half-century and run out comprehensive winners.

Harvey Williams notched a hat-trick and Sam Walsh grabbed a brace, with Siddal's other tries coming from Oliver Lewis, Henry Turner, Christian Ackroyd, Josh Milnes and Lewis Hosty, who also kicked four conversions along with one from Jamie Greenwood.

A non-stop 80-minute performance by prop Liam Richmond earned him the Villagers' Man of the Match award with hooker Jack Sadler, second-rower Harrison Briggs and young scrum-half Dan Clarke also among their standouts.

With all the other four teams in the bottom five also tasting defeat, Heworth are still in with an outside chance of avoiding the drop - however, they realistically need to win their remaining two games, as depending on other results, it may all come down to points difference in the final reckoning.

Scott Rhodes' side have no game next week, but return to action on Saturday August 31 when they make the long trip to Whitehaven to face basement dwellers and old rivals Egremont Rangers (2:30pm).