YORK Acorn ARLC chairman Kev Warters has declared his dismay after the club's appeal against the order to replay their match against Castleford Lock Lane failed.

The National Conference division one game at Castleford was abandoned by the referee after a mass brawl broke out, with Acorn ten points ahead and only 13 minutes to go.

Both clubs were fined £300, and while Acorn did not appeal against that, they argued that rules state results should stand if there is less than 15 minutes left.

However, the British Amateur Rugby League Association panel have now upheld the league's decision to order a replay.

Warters said: "We're obviously disappointed. The Acorn committee decided to appeal on principle.

"As far as we're concerned, Lock Lane's tactics have paid off. They went out in the second half to unsettle our team with niggling stuff - in the three incidents on the referee's report we had the ball.

"We've reacted to it but our team has been penalised the most, not just in having to replay a game we were well on course to win but also in the travelling costs of going over there again.

"It's harsh but the positives are we're going to learn from it and not get drawn in by these tactics again.

"The players are also looking forward to the replay. The committee made the decision to appeal, but the players are up for playing the game."

Acorn will have the chance to claw points back on Saturday as they entertain bottom club Walney Central.

The Blue and Golds' injury situation has improved a little with Alan Willitts and young Davey Burns back fit, but the experienced Gareth Lloyd has replaced them on the treatment table after pulling a hamstring in last week's loss at West Bowling.

Heworth will look to transfer their home form into away games in a bid to climb away from the re-election zone in National Conference division two.

The Villagers have won their last three home matches but are yet to win away this season, a record they will want to end at Huddersfield Sharks on Saturday.

Updated: 10:30 Thursday, December 01, 2005