A Fine fight-back by Selby Warriors was in vain as they lost their York Accident Cup crown thanks to a 27-26 defeat by Heworth 'A'.

A successful conversion by Wayne Fennel with the last kick of the game would have seen the cup holders through, but he fired wide from near the touchline.

However, Selby spokesman Dave Sowden said it was not the kick that lost the Warriors the game, but the fact some players were late arriving, which helped give Heworth a 13-point start.

"We lost this game at 1pm, a full hour before kick off," he explained. "Coach Paul

Helstripp asked the players to arrive early to prepare for the game but only a handful did, resulting in a strong Heworth side scoring 13 points in the first ten minutes.

"That said, all the players deserve credit for showing an enormous amount of character."

Those 13 points came via two tries, two goals and a field goal and although Selby hit back with man of the match Andy Moore darting over from acting half and Fennel goaling, Heworth, who dominated the first half, scored again to lead 17-6 at the break.

A half-time roasting didn't seem to work for Selby as Heworth scored again on the restart, but a remarkable turnaround nearly saw Selby complete an amazing victory.

The Warriors scored three tries in 20 minutes, the first of which saw captain Sean Barker score his fifth touchdown of the season, Fennel goaling.

Then Fennel scored the try of the match with a 40-yard run, beating two defenders before rounding the full-back and diving over.

Selby, with Wayne Knight dictating play and Helstripp making some telling drives, now had the bit between their teeth and, on the last tackle, Tony Langbridge chipped over the top for Carl Bardauskas to gather and score under the posts.

Fennel's goal put Selby 22-21 in front and on the verge of an amazing victory, but with five minutes left the young Heworth side scored a try and added what proved the match-winning goal.

Selby hit back in injury time with a great run and off-load from prop Bob Hardy resulting in Alan Carse putting Anthony Hunter over in the corner, but, with the game over, Fennel's kick was wide.

Heworth, well served by half-backs Potter and Murphy as well as Watkinson, Neary and Ceri Penharwood, got their points through tries by Grant, Penharwood, Neary (2) and new-boy Lee Hall plus three Potter goals and a drop goal.

Updated: 12:15 Tuesday, January 15, 2002