A BELOW-PAR performance in an altogether disappointing season saw Heworth crash out of the GMB Union National Cup with an 18-6 defeat to Ellenborough Rangers.

The Cumberland League outfit were the underdogs but benefited from several Heworth mistakes to secure the third-round win.

Villagers spokesman Ken Sykes said: "It was a disappointing display. The score did not really do us justice because it was much closer than that but we made a lot of mistakes and only a few of our players played up to standard."

Rangers went ahead on seven minutes with a try in the corner by centre Philip Brown, although there appeared to be a forward pass in the build-up.

Heworth then had a Gavin Grant try disallowed for a double movement before the hosts got on the scoreboard when Chris Hammer-ton booted a penalty for dissent to make it 4-2 at the break.

Hammerton, half-back partner Brendan Carlyle and loose-forward Wayne Foster were the pick of the home players and four minutes after the break, the former put his side ahead as he chased his own grubber to touch down.

He missed the conversion attempt, though, and Heworth failed to consolidate their lead despite having every chance of going on to win.

The Cumbrians had not looked like scoring but just after the hour mark went back in front as scrum-half Michael Dempsey crossed, with Paul McGee converting.

Heworth were unable to swing the game back their way and McGee increased the lead with a penalty for reefing.

Brown then got his second try after picking up a loose ball which had been dropped by Heworth full-back Jamie Wright in the tackle. The try was converted and the Villagers' defeat was complete.

Updated: 11:04 Monday, March 08, 2004