YORK Acorn Under-14s ended a turbulent first season back in rugby league on a high with a hard-fought victory at Dearne Valley Bulldogs.

All players contributed to the 24-12 result which sees Acorn finish third in Yorkshire Junior League division four after 11 wins from 16 outings.

The Bulldogs opened the scoring with a set move but Acorn soon levelled as half-backs Henri Grimbley and Eddie Nelson put through man-of-the-match Leo Baker.

Acorn then surged ahead with tries from Dom Hancox (2), Nelson and Harry Whiteley, with his first of the season. Daniel Downes was again outstanding, especially with his kicking game which enabled Acorn to take control.

The team are looking for sponsors for a new training kit. Anyone interested can phone Steve Smith on 07790 615181.

Heworth U10s were low on numbers at home to Slaithwaite but played a full part in a close game.

The visitors started strongly with some good first-half tries and a 14-0 interval lead.

But the break was good for the hosts and they soon struck with a converted try from half-back Jay Ogilvie. Slaithwaite crossed again but quick thinking from the parents’ man of the match Luke Dorking and an outstanding solo effort from the impressive Jamal Tokalau brought Heworth back to within two points.

Another try by the visitors was quickly followed by a second Dorking touchdown to keep them within reach, but one last try towards the end sealed Slaithwaite’s victory.

Strong running from Luke Wall saw him take the most improved award, Tom Clarke was top tackler and hooker Harrison Briggs the man of the match.

New Earswick All Blacks’ new under-8s side played their first-ever match against local foes Heworth.

The game witnessed tries aplenty, and All Blacks coach Liam Haxby said: “They have worked so hard to get to grips with this great game, it’s nice to see them finally playing a match.”

Asked if they enjoyed the game, player Johnny Humphrey said: “It was great to get some big hits in.” The team, who train at New Earswick sports ground on Tuesdays from 6pm to 7pm, are looking for more players - boys or girls. For details, phone Haxby on 07795 198605.

Heworth U8s, in their next outing, out-played, out-muscled and out-scored Bradford side Odsal Sedburgh in a fine performance.

Adam Hodgson opened the scoring with a full-length effort - his first two tries - and tries followed freely from Harrison Barnes, the game’s ‘man of steel, man-of-the-match Freddie Wilson (2), the similarly excellent Ellis Cochrane (2) and top tackler Thomas Hardy.

Odsal staged a minor comeback with tries but Heworth replied through Callum Costanzo (2), Harrison Barker (2) and Leon Jones, whose tackling and first try for the club earned him the most improved award.

Heworth U7s played two games against a strong Featherstone Lions team - battling hard and showing some great running only to go down to narrow defeats.

Ben Taylor and Charlie Blackburn picked up man-of-the-match awards, with other big performances from Zane Mason and Kai Gately.