YORK Acorn's RL match at promotion rivals Crosfields was abandoned just before half-time after fighting broke out between the teams.

Both clubs now face a disciplinary inquiry by the National Conference League's management committee, with heavy fines the likely punishment if they are found guilty of brawling.

The division two match was evenly poised at 4-3 to Crosfields when Oldham-based referee Robert Hicks - who was nominated as the NCL's referee of the year last term and officiated at the National Cup final - was forced to abandon the game after 37 minutes.

Tempers had begun to fray earlier, with a couple of sin-binnings the result, but matters soon got out of hand as both sets of players became involved in a fight.

Acorn are not making any comment on the matter and are awaiting the referee's report of the incident.

The abandonment means the scoreline will not stand. Crosfields had scored a try through Chris Ratcliffe, with Acorn replying through a Kevin Brundrett penalty and a Martin McTigue field goal.

Heworth forward Dan Briggs has signed trialist forms with RL Premiership outfit Hunslet Hawks. Briggs has previously played for York Wasps.

Updated: 11:45 Monday, November 19, 2001