BRAD HEY scored a second-half hat-trick as York City Knights breezed into the fourth round of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup with a 64-6 win over plucky amateurs Askam.

The hosts, of National Conference League division two, had pulled off surprise wins against division one York Acorn and premier tier West Hull to reach the stage where League One clubs enter.

But there was never any sign of a shock this time in a freezing south west Cumbria, as James Ford’s men gave a professional performance littered with touches of class to notch 12 tries in all, having scored at almost a point a minute in the first half to kill any home hopes.

There were debut touchdowns for Mike Kelly, Judah Mazive and Jake Normington, while Adam Robinson, Chris Siddons, Joe Batchelor, Kieren Moss, Ash Robson and Joe Porter also crossed, in addition to Hey's treble. Connor Robinson added eight conversions.

Former Heworth amateur Liam Jackson, on debut for his hometown pro team, was a contender for man of the match with some moments of quality at half-back.

Downsides, though, were injuries to Harry Carter and Kelly, with the incident that saw the former depart early put on report.

Full match report to follow…