A QUARTET of tries by James Dunhill and a hat-trick by Josh Potter propelled York Acorn ARLC Under-15s to a 54-14 triumph over Hunslet Warriors.

The prolific centre pairing were instrumental in Acorn’s emphatic victory over a physical Warriors side.

Despite their opponents’ robust approach, Acorn dominated from the off and built up a half-time lead of 24-8 with two tries from Potter, one from Jarrod Smith and Dunhill’s first, plus four conversions from Ash Robson.

Dunhill was on the scoresheet again just after the break, quickly followed by further tries from Ben Church, George Hardy and one from Potter to complete his trio.

Dunhill then scored two fine length of the field efforts to complete the scoring.

Scrum-half Robson, who added three more conversions, had a superb game as did Potter, but the man-of-the-match award went to Dunhill who excelled in both attack and defence.

The Blue and Golds’ U18s turned in a tremendous performance in an 8-4 defeat in the BARLA National Youth Cup at Dewsbury Celtic.

Dewsbury, who are second in the National Youth League, won the tie with a try late in the second half to book their place in the quarter-finals.

It was a brave effort from the Thanet Road side, who had three tries disallowed.

The home side started brighter of the two teams and an astute kick to the corner saw a Dewsbury winger beat the cover to score out wide.

Acorn began to claw their way back into the game and match their more aggressive and intimidating opponents.

After Gareth Smith had a try disallowed, Acorn levelled the scores when Callum Hannigan dummied his way over out wide. Anthony Chilton just missed with the conversion.

Before the break, Blue and Golds winger Matthew Woods also had a try disallowed and the teams went in level at the break.

The second half was a competitive affair in heavy conditions as both sides looked for a way through top defences.

The York side’s defence was particularly impressive and held firm, led by Carl Loft, Chris Rushworth and Joe Porter.

A disputed try out wide sealed Acorn’s fate, although they did have one last chance to clinch the game but the referee ruled their player had lost the ball over the line near the posts.

Chilton took the home side’s man of the match award, while the whole squad put in fine performances.

York Acorn U14s’ unbeaten run ended with a nail-biting 18-16 defeat at home to Knottingley Rockware.

Acorn failed to play to their potential and were caught out with some poor defending, allowing a Knottingley centre to break the line and put them in front with a converted try.

The Blue and Golds’ handling errors were excessive in the first half but they had a glimmer of hope when Reef Wilson crashed through to score.

Jake Calam added the extras.

Acorn started the second half a little brighter but failed to show their usual flair.

Acorn needed to tackle hard under pressure from Knottingley, but they managed to hit back with a try wide out by Calum McDarby.

The conversion was missed but Acorn led 10-6.

However, more spilled ball gave Knottingley possession and a quick play the ball, coupled with poor tackling, resulted in another converted try.

Another breakaway try by a Knottingley winger put Acorn 18-10 behind.

Acorn threw everything at Knottingley in the final ten minutes and eventually Alex Smith found a way through.

A conversion by Jake Calam left them two points behind, but they lost the ball over the line on their final attack.