Heworth 12

HEATH, battling against relegation from the Conference Premier Division, put their worries temporarily behind them on Saturday.

They moved into the next round of the BARLA National Cup with a comfortable victory over a Heworth side in danger of being forced to seek re-election to the Conference at the end of the season.

It is a far cry, for both sides, from the heady days of 1987 when the clubs met at Headingley in the National Cup Final.

Thatto, on that occasion, won 15-8 and the St Helens outfit were also in the limelight in 1994, as runners up to Saddleworth and four years ago as winners against Featherstone Lions.

This season, however, Premier Division survival is the priority, while Heworth face a long haul in the bid to recover former glories.

The York outfit had the boost of an early try by centre Jamie Wright but the Crusaders quickly took control and led by 16 points at the break after posting tries for second row pair Dave Gee and Johnny Hughes, scrum half Dave Scott and full back Dave Hill.

Centre Mike Woods went on to net a hat trick in the second period, finishing with four goals for a personal haul of 20 points, while other touchdowns went to winger Mark Webster and a second for Johnny Hughes.

Carl Potter, who kicked a first half penalty, replied with a try and conversion but despite their current league form the young Thatto side were well worth their victory.

Indeed given the age of team on show supporters must be confident of a bright future once they gain more experience.

Thatto now move on to a home tie against Castleford Lock Lane in the next round.

Men of the Match: Johnny Hughes and Mike Woods