YORK Acorn ARLC Under-18s kicked off their home campaign in the Yorkshire Youth League in winning fashion with a 32-16 defeat of Crigglestone All Blacks.

Acorn were looking to improve on last week’s loss at West Hull and lay down a marker for the rest of the season, and for the first two thirds of the contest they did just that, building a decisive 28-4 lead.

Notable performances came from Nathan Hammerton and Luke Swales, with Hayden Nelson and man-of-the-match Charlie Settle leading the pack, as the Blue and Golds left their visitors shell-shocked.

After only two minutes, Ash Robson split the defence to put Acorn in front. Crigglestone tightened up but, on 16 minutes, Hammerton scrambled through to touch down.

Acorn’s go-forward throughout the first half was excellent, with Nelson and Settle leading the way. The hosts missed chances, though, and Crig, showing strong resolve, replied.

Harry Bromwich muscled his way through to restore order and, on the stroke of half-time, Josh Thompson shrugged off tacklers to cross, Jake Calam’s two conversions making it 20-4.

Acorn were first out of the blocks in the second period, too, as Robson made space down the flank and, with a superb back door pass, put Calam in.

Bromwich then got his second try of the game, before Acorn began to lose composure, the game getting scrappy, allowing Crigglestone to cross and convert twice.

There were still more than ten minutes left and the visitors had a sniff, but Thompson’s second try put the game to bed.

Heworth U10s just missed out on victory after a strong performance at Lock Lane.

The sides were evenly matched sides, with Callum Rutland, Leon Mooring, Max Hodgson and Callum Dunmore working hard for the Villagers, whose try came from Josh Atkin-Stone – his first for the club.

An excellent display saw Heworth U8s come out on top in an entertaining game at Huddersfield St Joseph’s.

The York lads also scored some of St Joseph’s tries having taken it in turns to play for the depleted hosts – earning plaudits from the home club.

Coaches’ man-of-the-match Keane Brough was tremendous, scoring four tries and making some great tackles, while Ellis Cochrane continued his fine form, being the man of the match in the parents’ and opponents’ eyes after scoring two darting tries and defending well.

The left side of defence was superbly led by captain Onett Perera and top tackler Feargus Brown, who also dived over for a try.

Heworth’s ‘golden moment’ award went to Oliver Lambert after his great carries and tries for both teams, while Adam Hodgson was the most improved player.

Other try-scorers were George Bradley-Consett (2), Charlie Clark, Kian Ogilvie (2) and Harvey Watson