YORK Acorn ARLC boss Scott Rhodes admits he is still seething at York & District Amateur Rugby League chiefs for slapping Daryl North with a "ridiculous" six-game ban.

North was sent off for punching during Acorn's York Community Cup final win over New Earswick All Blacks.

He has so far served one game of his suspection, the National Conference League division one win at Eccles, but Rhodes reckoned he should now be back available rather than have to stay on the sidelines until mid-August.

It also adds to Rhodes' displeasure with the York & District bosses - and he reiterated Acorn would have to consider whether to enter local cups again having been previously upset with the timing of these ties.

"How can you agree with the length of the ban?" he said.

"They've banned him for six games and the season only lasts 22 games - that's over a quarter of the season."

The suspension was handed down by the York & District committee but covers all BARLA matches.

In the professional game, if players are found guilty of striking they usually get a one or two-match ban.

Rhodes added: "Davey Burns (Acorn prop) got a league ban for striking and got two games. Look at Jamie Peacock (who admitted punching in Leeds Rhinos' Challenge Cup tie with Leigh a month ago) - he got no ban at all. Daryl gets six games.

"Where are we going with this? Do they realise it's more than a quarter of the season? Is it the dinosaurs at York & District?Things need to change."

Rhodes admitted there was a mix-up with the dates of the disciplinary hearng so North was not represented.

"We would have gone obviously, if we'd known," he said.

"It's not fair on Daryl. He's in the form of his life as well and now he's not allowed to play.

"To get six games is just ridiculous. With injuries, work and holidays affecting the squad,it does not help the cause. We could do without rash decisions like this."

He added: "We had the problems about the fixture congestion with these cup games and now this.

"Is these any point entering York & District Cups? It's something we'll have to discuss."

Acorn's league match against second-placed Oulton Raiders on Saturday - one of only three NCL games scheduled for this weekend - has been rearranged for Thursday, July 31, kicking off at 7pm.

It has been postponed due to the Tour de France coming to the Minster city, and because of the funeral tomorrow of Acorn founder and former coach and chairman Pete Warters.

Oulton and Rochdale Mayfield are running clear in the title race and, with only one defeat each so far, are well on course to taking the promotion places - with now only two available due to the withdrawal of East Hull from the premier division and the fact the top tier is reducing to 12 teams next term.

Heworth also have no game in division three, with this weekend earmarked for Challenge Trophy round two ties.

Meanwhile, Acorn 'A' go to second-placed Siddal 'A' in the Yorkshire Men's League premier division. Acorn lie third from bottom but have plenty of games in hand on teams around them.

Buoyant York Lokomotive go to Stanley Rangers 'A' in group two looking for their fifth win in six outings.

Selby Warriors' summer side visit Rossington Hornets seeking their first win in the entry division.

Mid-table Heworth 'A's home group two game against Moldgreen tomorrow night has been postponed.