A HAT-TRICK by centre Adam Dent was not enough to prevent Heworth ARLC suffering their first defeat of the Yorkshire Men's League division one season as they fell 34-24 at fellow high-fliers Queensbury.

The Villagers, after a poor first-half defensive display, trailed 24-8 at the break but, despite wasting several opportunities, a frantic second period saw them claw their way back to within four points with five minutes left.

However, a late home try by the hosts left them reflecting what might have been.

Heworth were first on the scoreboard after four minutes when a good handling move led to Dent crossing in the corner, but the hosts went ahead five minutes later with a touchdown by full-back Jordan Brown improved by stand-off Ethan Sharp.

Dent, the former York City Knights reserve, soon got his second try from close range before some woeful defending led to the hosts posting three tries in a devastating six-minute salvo by hooker Jonny Norman and strong-running second-row Tom Hainsworth (2), all of which were goaled.

The Villagers came out firing after the break and on 46 minutes second-row Joe Deighton and full-back Fraser West combined to send man-of-the-match Dent over for his treble.

Ten minutes later it was game on when sub forward Jonny Clark had the ball ripped out in a tackle close to the line and hooker Dave Hayes pounced to score, Deighton's conversion making it 24-18.

The Black and Whites now looked in control and repeatedly broke through their opponents' defensive line, only some poor finishing saw them squander a number of good chances - and they paid the price when Queensbury winger Robson Moore crossed wide out to restore their advantage to 10 points.

Heworth were not done and, with five minutes left, scrum-half George Elliott intercepted a stray pass close to halfway and raced home, Deighton's extras making it 28-24.

The hosts, though, had the last word with scrum-half Andy Robinson going over on the final whistle, Sharp converting.

Elsewhere, York Acorn 'A' had a day to forget at Hull Wyke, going down 52-12 to remain pointless at the foot of the table.

Promoted New Earswick All Blacks likewise remain without a point in the premier division as they lost 32-18 at home to Bentley.

Heworth 'A', though, opened their season in division five with a hard-earned 32-26 home win over Wetherby - courtesy of a late winner.

The visitors went ahead with an early touchdown but the hosts replied with tries from George Wallace, Lewis Hartley and Jack Smith, plus two goals from Jonny Jackson, to lead 16-4 at the break.

Wetherby started the second half in fine style with 16 points in 10 minutes.

But, in an exciting fightback, the hosts retaliated with a touchdown and two goals from Jackson plus tries from Rich Rogers and, with the match-winner, Kyle Brown.

New Earswick Academy lost 34-28 to Bentley 'A' in their opening division five game.