Evening Press Sport

Ever-improving York Acorn Under-16s nearly produced the shock of the season before losing 20-12 at home to unbeaten Yorkshire League division one leaders Hunslet Parkside.

Former York Wasps chairman John Stabler may now be a director of Hull FC but he shows he's still behind York's sporting youngsters by sponsoring Acorn Under-12s. He is pictured with the team's captain Daniel Pfluger with the rest of the team in the background

Crucially Hunslet scored the only points of a defence dominated first half right on the whistle and Acorn seemed to be in a state of shock after the re-start as they conceded a further two tries to trail 16-0.

They hit back with a brace of tries from powerhouse prop Phil Coles and makeshift stand-off Andy Gargan, both converted by Gargan. But their hopes were dashed when Hunslet clinched the points with a late try.

Top performers were hooker Robbie Dolan, scrum-half Ben Jones, full-back Mark Thompson and Coles.

Another Acorn side to earn pride in defeat were the Under-15s who lost 18-10 at home to highly-rated Churwell.

Acorn's performance was highlighted by the efforts of joint men of the match, scrum-half Chris Spain and prop Dean Winspear. Their points came from a try apiece by centre Peter Fox and full-back Matthew Irving to go with a goal by stand-off Jonathan Jewitt.

Twelve-man Acorn Under-18s found a lively Dewsbury Moor outfit too strong and were beaten 32-10 at home.

Pick of the Acorn side were Dave Lonsdale, Shaun Gilmour and Ben Henson. Tries came from Gilmour and full-back Ken Forbes with Craig Fox adding a goal.

Acorn Under-8s got their season off to a winning start with a comfortable 48-4 success at Sharlston.

The performance of Under-7s players Ryan Gallacher, Danny Welch and Callum Hannigan earned special praise as they paved the way for Acorn to open up a 24-0 half-time lead.

In the second half they continued to dictate the game with excellent displays from newcomers Robert Dickson and Ricky James. Defensively Acorn were well served by Michael Kellett and Anthony Chilton.

Tries came from Ben Johnson (4), Josh Mortimer (3), Stuart Leeke (2), Tom Worthy (2) and Liam Wilkinson.

Acorn Under-12s progressed into the next round of the Continuation Cup with a gritty 30-16 win over a strong-running Garforth side.

The damage was done in the first half when they raced into a 24-4 lead and though Garforth came more into it in the second half Acorn defended well to hang on.

Thomas Mackley, Steven Mackley and Jack Stearman scored two tries each with Thomas Mackley adding three goals.

Acorn Under-10s produced their best display of the season to overcome Middleton 12-6, with tries from Eddie Bedingham and David Leeke plus goals from man of the match Ross Varley and Matthew Fairclough.

Other notable performers were Nathaniel Vollans and Luke Watling.

A 10-man Heworth Under-17s were too strong for Crofton Cougars and triumphed 18-14.

Despite going eight points down in the opening stages, Heworth fought back to level the half-time scores with tries by Ian Dixon and Tom Mercer.

Losing players to the sin-bin did not help Heworth's cause but they still contained the full-strength visitors.

After Crofton had retaken the lead with a converted try, Gary Watkinson forced his way over then Gareth Kirby crossed to put Heworth in front for the first time. Gary Watkinson added a towering conversion to clinch the win.

The pick of the players were Matt Corr and Tom Mercer.

Heworth Under-13s went out of the Yorkshire League Challenge Cup 36-24 after a terrific game against division one leaders Dewsbury Moor.

Heworth were left to rue two missed chances when they failed to ground the ball.

The power of hat-trick hero Adam Snowball caused plenty of problems and with the probings of Marcus Allan and Steve Jepson the Villagers looked capable of an upset. Sam Ackroyd was a tower of strength in defence and subs Chris Taylor and Andy Hall played well.

Heworth's other tries came from Allan (2) and Mathew Derry with Sean Coulson adding two goals.

New Earswick All Blacks Under-12s had a terrific 22-16 win over Doncaster Toll Bar.

Try-scorers were Thomas Hodgson (2), David Richmond (2) and Ross Divorty who also kicked one goal. Man of the match went to Joe Hemmings.

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