York Acorn secure promotion to premier division (From York Press)

York Acorn secure promotion to premier division

9:38am Monday 22nd October 2012 in Sport

YORK Acorn ARLC immediately targeted the National Conference League division one title after winning promotion back to the premier division.

The Blue and Golds were 20-10 winners at Millom in their penultimate game on Saturday, meaning victory over Egremont at Thanet Road this weekend will guarantee them top spot.

The visitors, playing up the slope in the first half, had ten points on the board in as many minutes when Nic Caldwell barged over after some good approach work, with Antony Chilton goaling, and then Jordan Hyde crossed after a smart Chilton pass.

Millom began to build momentum and had three repeat sets on the Acorn line, but an immense defensive effort kept the line intact.

In the second period, Millom got off to a good start when centre Ricky Donaghue scored on 52 minutes, but Acorn hit back five minutes later when Tim Elliott dropped on the ball after a smart kick from the play the ball.

The game was now nip and tuck, and Millom kept the pressure up on 68 minutes when prop Craig Wilson ran on to a flat pass to go under the posts and full-back Ross Brooke goaled.

With the game in the balance the pressure was on, but Acorn kept good field position with some astute kicking and excellent tackling to ensure Millom struggled to get out of their own half.

On the last play of the game, Millom dropped the ball in the tackle and Joel Johnson went over the try line before passing to Elliott, who scored.

Chilton goaled to round off a memorable victory for Acorn.

Adam Endersby yet again took the man of the match award, while Aaron Thompson and Matthew Woods were superb in attack and defence for the Blue and Golds.

Meanwhile, Heworth were beaten 48-10 at Widnes West Bank in their last match of the division two season.

It completed a miserable campaign for the Villagers, who finished eight points adrift of Eastmoor Dragons at the foot of the table.

Heworth lost 23 and drew one of their 24 league games, and Saturday’s defeat took their points-against tally through the 1,000 points barrier.