Heworth finally got back to winning ways in the National Conference League division two with a comfortable 15-8 win at lowly Dewsbury Moor.

A solid first-half display put the Villagers in control and, with forwards Brendan Carlyle and Steve Barnard excellent throughout, they never looked like surrendering their 12-2 interval lead despite Moor's worthy efforts.

Heworth spokesman Ken Sykes said: "It was a very workmanlike performance, while the defensive effort was our best this season.

"They had some pressure and possession but our defence always seemed capable of holding them out.

"It was late on when they got their only try, which only came from a speculative kick forward, and we were disappointed to be breached as we thought we had played well enough to stop them going over.

"We had a few opportunities ourselves and we were pretty much in control of things."

Impressive stand-off Mick Harrison skipped in for Heworth's opening score on ten minutes, Dave Carling converting.

Andy Robinson got Moor on the scoresheet with a penalty but the hosts then missed two further penalties which would have levelled matters.

New Zealander Ceri Penharwood - who has signed trialist forms with York Wasps and was playing his second game with the Villagers after moving north from London - blasted through to increase Heworth's lead with an excellent touchdown, with Carling again adding the extras to end the half's scoring.

Harrison was sin-binned after the break for holding down in the tackle but the Moor were unable to take advantage of their numerical supremacy and instead Carling increased Heworth's lead with a penalty.

Harrison returned to the fray with a field goal and although the Moor finally got the try their efforts deserved two minutes from time, when Matt Stokes put Rob Blakeway in, Robinson goaling, it was too little too late for the hosts, as Heworth stayed within two points of the league leaders.

Updated: 12:30 Monday, October 15, 2001