York Acorn U15s continue impressive start to season (From York Press)

York Acorn U15s continue impressive start to season

11:50am Saturday 7th April 2012 in Junior rugby

YORK Acorn under-15s continued their impressive start to the season with a 13-try 66-6 demolition of Brighouse Rangers.

Acorn dominated from the start, with Jake Calam’s kick-off finding touch and Calum McDarby crossing on the first set of six.

McDarby ended with a first-half hat-trick, while other tries came from man-of-the-match Jacob Walker (2), including one at the death from a kick over the top following an Acorn scrum on their own ten-metre line, Billy Nicholson (2), Reef Wilson (2), Calam (2), Henry Andrews and Ben Limbert. Calam added seven conversions.

Acorn’s defence, led by loose-forward Jack Burgess, was strong and their line speed gave Brighouse no time to mount attacks.

The attacking flair was a pleasure to watch as Calam and Jimmy Hardwick steered the team around the park.

Notable performances also came from Robbie Langstaff, Tom Bedda, Reece Arthur, Alex Smith and Lloyd Todd.

Jack Smith scored a second-half hat-trick as Heworth U14s came from 20-16 down at half-time to edge Driglington 32-30 in the Yorkshire Junior Challenge Cup first round.

Harry Radcliffe (2) and Jacob Sunderland crossed in the first half and, after the break, Lewis Brown scored from a clever interception prior to Smith’s treble.

Newcomer Stuart Raley put in a solid performance for the Villagers in his first-ever game and Milo Dawson and Charlie Hill were strong in defence. Devon Pagett and Arran Naismith made good yards, while Radcliffe and Sunderland added conversions.

New Earswick All Blacks U13s were 40-20 winners in their Continuation Cup clash with Hunslet Warriors Bulls.

A much-improved performance could not prevent York Acorn U12s from losing 26-4 to league leaders Greetland All Rounders.

Greetland’s size and ball skills were superior but Acorn never gave up in a fine team show.

Leo Baker, with powerful hit-ups, Clayton Shepherdson, with terrier-like defence, and Dan Downes, with a string of fine try-saving tackles, stood out.

Debutant Lucas Hindle looks set to be a real find with elusive running bringing him the man-of-the-match award, while Reece Stevens was back to his best.

Try-scorer Josh Embleton also had a fine game, as did Jordan Kellett, Joe Gamble, Kieron Ward and Will Jennings.

Calum McKenzie scored four tries as under-strength York Acorn U11s battled to a 42-28 win at Whinmoor.

Victory was built on strong defence led by top tackler Josh Parker, who was the hosts’ choice of man of the match, Ellie Hendry, Lawrence Lumb and Ben Lumby.

Hendry and Lawrence, each with a try, also shone in attack, along with George Scott, Nathan Rushton, who took the coaches’ award and got a try, Jacob Burns and Mckenzie.

Hendry and McKenzie were the players of the match, while Parker added seven goals.

Heworth U10s gave another excellent performance against Doncaster Toll Bar.

Niall Bowlby was outstanding, Austin Cole broke the defensive line a lot, while the opposition’s choice of man of the match, Jak Ostergaard, scored twice and was top tackler.

Jensen Brown and new boy Max Davison ran well. Kian Oliver also crossed, with goals added by man-of-the-match Harry Griffiths, who also came close to scoring, Ostergaard and Oliver.

New Earswick U10s and Sherburn Bears U10s played a fine end-to-end game.

All Blacks’ try-scorers were man-of-the-match Ryan Kendra, top tackler Ellena Powell, new boy Jake Wiseman, who took the magic moment award for the drive that took him over for his first-ever rugby league try, and the excellent Lewis Stephen. Jacob Baynes had his best game to date.

Man-of-the-match Leon Mooring’s all-action display could not prevent Heworth U9s from losing at Kippax Welfare.

The hosts were dominant in most areas and Heworth gave away possession too often.

Mooring topped the tackle count ahead of Callum Rutland and Callum Dunmore.

The ‘magic moment’ went to Ellis Hunter for finishing a good team try with a cross-field dash. The second half was more even as David Strange, Josh Atkin Stone, Cameron Donald and Will Spencer all epitomised the better effort.

• New Earswick All Blacks U14s are short on players and need new recruits. Anyone interested in joining the team can phone Dawn Leatt on 07919 375474.