YORK Acorn 'A' ensured some silverware for the Minster city's amateur rugby league scene when they beat injury-hit local rivals Selby Warriors 34-4 to effectively lift the Pennine League division five title.

The championship still isn't mathematically theirs as third-placed Thornton could draw level if they win their last two games and Acorn lose their final match. But the points-difference is such that only ridiculously high-scoring games could see Thornton make up the 247 deficit.

The Warriors, meanwhile, are virtually assured of fourth place and a play-off spot, but it still comes as a disappointment following a season of often fine rugby and a brilliant run in the Shipley Trophy.

Late withdrawals forced Acorn to make changes but every player gave a good account of themselves and collectively they coped with the windy conditions better then their game hosts, who had previously lost only once at home.

Fran Starkey was outstanding at hooker, while winger John Tattersfield, second-row Dean Crump and forward Paul Payne also shone.

Crump crossed twice in the opening quarter - the first was deemed a penalty try, while the second followed a Starkey break - and Tom Galloway added one goal.

Selby, for whom Alan O'Driscoll starred, hit back as skipper Carl Bardauskas drove over for his 24th try of the season but Acorn got the game-breaker on half-time as Tattersfield notched a fine 50-yard touchline try, Galloway converting.

Selby's injury jinx struck as centre Colin Barker went to hospital, and after this Acorn notched four second half tries, while Selby's only score, by John Broadhurst, was ruled out.

Acorn full-back Paul Sawyer scored a fantastic solo score and Payne then set up a try for Starkey before scoring two tries himself with powerful runs, the latter assisted by scrum-half Mick Calam. Galloway added a conversion to complete the triumph.

York Groves stayed in sixth place after a 22-6 defeat at seventh-placed Victoria Rangers 'A'.

Heworth 'A' got a team together again and they defied atrocious weather to record an impressive 26-6 CMS Yorkshire League division three victory over Sharlston.

Heworth's ambition to open the game out brought their reward, as tries came from Kevin Gott, Ashley Wanton, Nigel Wilson, Danny Flint, Graham Brown and Stuart Brown, Mark Watkinson adding one conversion.

Gott and Phil Marwood worked hard in centre-field and, with wingers Dave Gibson and Watkinson prepared to share the load, everyone contributed to a fine win in an entertaining game played in good spirit.

Updated: 11:20 Tuesday, March 23, 2004