Heworth gave a spirited display but the GMB Union National Cup third round tie went as expected as Thatto Heath won 44-12 at Elmpark Way.

Although it was a comfortable win in the end, three late tries gave the National Conference premier division strugglers a flattering scoreline.

Still, the Villagers battled gamely to at least give themselves some heart for their forthcoming battle to avoid the re-election zone in NCL division two.

It's all a far cry from the heady days of 1987 when these two sides met in the National Cup final, Thatto Heath being victorious, and Heworth especially have a major battle on their hands to return to former glories.

Man of the match prop Will Neary, playing all 80 minutes of his 70th consecutive match, and scrum-half Carl Potter did their utmost to lift the hosts and they are lilely to be key figures for the Villagers for the remainder of their season.

Army officer Rob Johnson, who had a good debut on the wing for the home team, was denied an early try when the referee did not play advantage, but Heworth still took the lead through centre Jamie Wright.

However, the Crusaders quickly took control and were 22-6 ahead by half-time through tries by second-rows David Gee and John Hughes, scrum-half David Scott and full-back David Hill, Potter booting a sole penalty in reply for Heworth who lost Nikki Wilson to a thumb injury.

The second half scoreline was exactly the same as the first as visiting centre Mike Woods scored a hat-trick to add to his four goals while winger Mark Webster and Hughes added further touchdowns.

Potter, though, gained more consolation for the hosts with a try and conversion on 50 minutes.

Heworth spokesman Ken Sykes said: "We missed too many tackles in midfield but we tried hard. It was a decent effort."

New Earswick All Blacks, the only York side through to the fourth round, have been drawn at home to the winners of the tie between Egremont Rangers and Halton Simms Cross. Fourth round ties are scheduled for February 26. A report of All Blacks' Pennine League win over Crigglestone will be carried later in the week, along with other local ARL news and results.

Former York star Dean Thomas, now coach at York City Knights' National League Two rivals Gateshead, has continued his revolution at the Thunderdome by signing prop Leroy Day from Australian outfit Easts Tigers. Day, who played for Papua New Guinea alongside Super League stars Marcus Bai, Adrian Lam and Stanley Gene in last year's World Sevens, is expected to arrive on Tyneside in mid to late February.

NL2 champions Barrow have reportedly offered terms to an Australian second-row. No names have been revealed but the Raiders have previously been linked with a move for former Knights back-rower Simon Friend.

Updated: 10:40 Monday, January 24, 2005