PROMOTION is fast becoming a real possibility for Heworth ARLC after they produced their best performance of the National Conference division two campaign.

The Villagers are well-placed in third after a 36-4 victory over Castleford Lock Lane at Elmpark Way, the hosts scoring six tries in heavy conditions.

The home side opened the scoring with a penalty by scrum-half Kenny Shepherd after Lock Lane were caught offside in the tenth minute, but a minute later the Cas side hit back with a try by winger James Cryer.

On 23 minutes, Heworth regained the lead and never looked back. Substitute Carl Potter crashed over after a 40 metre run and Shepherd converted.

Second-rower Adrian Leek forced his way over on 31 minutes and Potter added the extras. Four minutes before half-time Leek went over again and Potter converted for a 20-4 lead.

The sides cancelled each other out for the first 29 minutes of the second half, but the hosts scored when prop Liam Watling made a break and full-back Mike Welsh arrived in support to touch down. Shepherd kicked the conversion.

Substitute forward Sam Clarke powered over with seven minutes remaining and Shepherd again converted. Welsh bagged his second try three minutes from time when he followed up an astute Chris Smith kick.

Heworth were well served by starting props Watling and Tom Speck, as well as interchange partners Clarke and Potter.

Leek also played a starring role, alongside Smith, Welsh, hooker Liam Cochrane and skipper Chris Varley.