RELEGATION is looming large for York Acorn ARLC after a 28-4 home defeat by Wath Brow Hornets in the National Conference League premier division.

The Cumbrians, last season’s grand final winners, were in control for the full 80 minutes and had the match sewn up after racing into an 18-0 half-time lead.

The visitors opened the scoring on ten minutes when James Dixon took a short pass from the play the ball to crash over. Scott Pink had an easy conversion.

Brow stretched the lead on 20 minutes when the impressive Richard Huby stormed through a gap in the Acorn defence, Pink again converting.

As half-time approached, Pink slotted a penalty after Acorn were penalised for a high tackle, and there was still time for winger Pink to finish off a 60-metre move for an excellent try.

Acorn were more competitive in the second half and Jordan Hyde scored in the corner on 43 minutes to give them hope.

But winger Luke Davidson put the match beyond doubt on 48 minutes with a smart try.

The scoring was rounded off on 65 minutes when Dixon grabbed his second score and Pink rounded off the scoring.

Adam Endersby took the Acorn man of the match award, and he was well supported by Ash Robson and Kevin Brayshaw.

Meanwhile, Heworth were eventually beaten 26-12 by high-flying Blackbrook in a tight division three clash at Elmpark Way.

The game was in the balance at 12-10 to the hosts with 15 minutes to play, but Blackbrook added three late tries to clinch the win.

The Villagers trailed 10-0 after 25 minutes but, with a Blackbrook player in the sin-bin, they grabbed a score on 34 minutes as Jonny Payne crashed over and Christian Pollock converted.

A fine pass by Danny Simpson sent winger Tom Atkins over on 46 minutes and Gary Watkinson’s goal put the hosts 12-10 ahead, only for Blackbrook to snatch it.

Tom Speck, Mark Hayes, Mike Crossman, James Farnsworth and Chris Varley all shone for Heworth.