YORK Acorn ARLC ‘A’ turned in a lacklustre performance as they lost 26-6 at Hunslet Warriors in their opening match of the Yorkshire Men’s League premier division season.

Down 16-6 at half-time, Acorn’s points came from a Kyle Brown try and a Tony Shepherd conversion. Things did not improve in the second period as the Blue and Golds toiled away for no reward.

Tony Shepherd took the man of the match award but Josh Mortimer, Martin McTigue and Tom Wilcox-Harrison all had good matches.

New Earswick All Blacks pushed second-placed Upton all the way but were defeated 36-34 in the Pennine League Championship.

Upton took the lead with a unconverted try, but All Blacks hit back to take the lead when Adam Kirby collected a Liam Gargan kick and Gargan added the extras.

Luke Morton crossed after quick hands down the line created space and Gargan converted, and Morton’s second score, also converted, stretched the lead.

Upton bagged a converted try, but All Blacks’ Dean Layton went over and Gargan goaled. A try and penalty for Upton made it 24-16 at half-time.

A trio of converted tries and a penalty - punctuated by a 20 minute stoppage for an Upton injury - put the visitors in control.

Steve Doswell crossed for the White Rose Avenue hosts before Jack Stearman powered his way over under the posts for Gargan to convert, but All Blacks came up agonisingly short.

The All Blacks man of the match was Reece Blake, backed up by Luke Morton and Jack Carling.

Selby Warriors ‘A’ are fifth in division seven of the Pennine League after a 32-18 home victory over Illingworth ‘A’.