YORK Acorn ARLC suffered a third straight defeat of term on Saturday - but boss Scott Rhodes was a much prouder man this time as they ran National Conference League champions Leigh Miners Rangers relatively close.

Following heavy defeats to York City Knights in the Challenge Cup and Lock Lane in their first league match back in the premier division, Acorn fell 20-6 away to a Leigh side who last term won the treble and are three from three so far this year.

They nevertheless won the second half 6-4 and, while Rhodes recognises that isn't enough to snaffle the spoils, he reckoned it showed his young side are learning what it take to compete in amateur rugby league's flagship tier.

"It was a close game really," he said. "The conditions weren't great - it had rained heavily over a couple of days - and that probably slowed the game down a bit, maybe in our favour I would've thought.

"But the most pleasing thing for me is that we competed.

"Against Lock Lane we didn't compete in a lot of areas in the game. I was pleased with how we defended this time and the fact we won the second half.

"Just winning second halves does not get you two points, so I was still disappointed with the result, but, to be fair, we defended really well.

"It was a couple of breakaway tries that cost us, off poor kick selection by us on the last tackle.

"But considering they won the treble last year and are very, very good, you could say it was probably our best defensive effort not just this season but in the last couple of seasons.

"There's a massive step up from division one to the premier - massive. I thought it was a great team effort.

"Some of the players are now starting to learn what it takes to win games at this level. It was loads better.

"However, we didn't win the game and there's a long way to go."

Leigh Miners took a 16-0 interval lead with three tries and two conversions but Acorn struck back after the break as prop Tim Stubbs crashed over, Antony Chilton goaling.

Rangers kept the Blue and Golds at arm's length, though, and sealed victory with a late try.

Stubbs and fellow props Adam Endersby, back in the first team with Daryl North injured, Josh Mortimer and the immense Joe Porter stood out, along with man-of-the-match hooker James Mountford.

Meanwhile, in the Pennine League, Sherburn Bears sealed the division four east title with a 24-18 win at Doncaster Toll Bar 'A' - though it was marred by a broken arm suffered by captain Ray Boyes.

The hosts had previously lost only twice at home but fell behind to the Bears as 16-year-old winger Dom Romans dived in at the corner.

Boyes departure signalled a poor period and Toll Bar took advantage with two converted tries, the second from former Sherburn forward Mickey Hanson.

Nevertheless, winger Bryn Watson replied and loose-forward Ronnie Roebuck levelled after half-time with a cracker.

Massive shots from both sides kept defences on top until nine minutes from time when a deft grubber from Sam Booth was pounced on by Steve Thomas, who converted too.

Toll Bar immediately levelled but Bears forced an error and, after a great midfield break from man-of-the-match Roebuck led to a penalty for holding down, Thomas eked them ahead.

Thomas then sealed the win with a great solo try from half way.

It was a 15th victory in 16 league outings, leaving Sherburn six points clear with two to play.

In division two, Selby Warriors fell 26-10 at fellow mid-table side Wyke.