YORK ACORN halfback Anthony Chilton is lucky to be alive, according to coach Leigh Paul-Rientoul, following an accident at work that has ended his season.

Chilton, who works in gas and electricity, was electrocuted on Monday when he inadvertently chopped through a live cable.

He suffered extensive burns to both his hands and wrists and spent the night under observation in hospital.

Although doctors have told Chilton that he will make a full recovery, he will miss the rest of Acorn’s campaign in National Conference division one.

“It could have been a lot worse,” revealed Paul-Rientoul. “Apparently, the last two blokes who have cut through a main cable like that have died.

“Thankfully, he is back home now but his hands are wrapped up in bandages because of all the blood from the blisters.”

Chilton, 25, has been one of Acorn’s most consistent performers this season and is the side’s regular goal-kicker.

Mid-table Acorn have struggled in the last few weeks - conceding over 40 points in defeats against both second-placed Hunslet Club Parkside and leaders Underbank Rangers. They face another potentially tough test this Saturday against third-placed Milford Marlins.

“We are still struggling for numbers and having to play people out of positions and Anthony’s absence is another blow,” said Paul-Rientoul.

New Earswick All Blacks face a key clash in the race for the Yorkshire Men’s League division one title – but will do so without both first-choice half-backs.

The leaders host third-placed Skirlaugh ‘A’ knowing that victory will be a big step towards taking the crown. Defeat, however, would put the visitors just three points behind with a game in hand.

But Tom Barron and Liam Gargan are both unavailable so back-rower Tom Holmes, a playmaker in former years, and under-18s starlet Connor Calam take those key slots.

Hooker Danny Byworth, who impressed in the U18s’ Yorkshire Youth League Reg Rowbottom Memorial Trophy final defeat to Greetland last week, is also in contention.

Player-coach Jack Stearman said: “Skirlaugh are picking up results. It’s a must-win game to cement our place at the top. We also want to keep our good home record going.”

York Acorn ‘A’, who are still without a point this season, host neighbours Heworth who are fourth in the table.