HEWORTH ARLC are hoping former internationals Chris Smith and Paul Newlove stay at the helm next season after leading the club to their highest finish in four years.

The Villagers ended their campaign with an impressive 48-6 conquest of visiting Crosfields, having already been assured of finishing seventh in National Conference division two.

They had been among the promotion contenders before Christmas and nevertheless achieved their best finish since Brendan Carlyle's side came third - missing promotion by one place - in 2002-03.

Club spokesman Ken Sykes says the joint-coaches have had a big impact on the developing squad and hopes they continue in charge.

"All the lads have a lot of respect for them and they're getting some professional advice," said Sykes, himself a former pro player.

"We've got a young side and that was one of our problems, but they've improved and the more experience they get and the more confidence they get from Chris and Paul's influence means they'll get better."

Smith, who won Super League with St Helens and was capped by Wales, became player-coach at Elmpark Way, alongside joint-coach Jimmy Rothwell, in 2005-06 after retiring from the pro game, then as a York City Knights player, through injury. He then helped Heworth avoid the re-election zone for the first time in three years.

Ex-Bradford and Castleford ace Newlove - the subject of a world record rugby league transfer deal when he moved to St Helens in 1995 - replaced Rothwell last summer to join up with old Saints team-mate Smith, and the pair have cultivated the club's revival.

Smith has even maintained his enthusiasm and commitment despite moving from his Cawood home to live near St Helens.

Sykes added: "He's created a good atmosphere in the club, and we certainly hope Chris and Paul will be with us next year."

Meanwhile, Heworth A' - despite a brave effort - were unable to extend their recent good run when they went down 34-8 at champions elect Hunslet Warriors A' in Yorkshire League three.

On a dust bowl' of a pitch the hosts started strongly and only a good defensive effort kept them out until the half-hour when they notched an unconverted try.

Heworth went close several times but without success and, after losing two forwards to injury, Hunslet struck twice just before the break.

Trailing 12-0 at the interval, Heworth went further behind as the home side added ten points before young winger Andy Cooper touched down in the corner from a Sean Brough pass.

Prop-forward Ben Eastwood then powered over in the corner to reduce the deficit but the Warriors finished in style with two converted tries.

New Earswick All Blacks were hammered 58-0 at Drighlington in the Pennine Premier division. They were down to the bare bones with Alan Davis and Dave Carling coming out of retirement to help the cause.

But they were never in with a shout against a fluently impressive Drig side.

The All Blacks were 22-0 down at half-time and the home side ran in more scores in the second period.

All Blacks' top performers were Al Davison, Wayne Foster and Darrell Fogg.