FORMER York City Knights favourite Darren Callaghan was the star of the show as York Acorn ARLC got two valuable points with a big win against Thatto Heath.

Callaghan, playing at hooker, scored two tries and was man of the match as the Blue and Golds won 44-12 to leapfrog the Crusaders out of the National Conference division one relegation zone.

His two efforts saw Acorn build a healthy half-time lead, and they ran away with it after the break with five more touchdowns.

Home winger Damion Hilton got the game's opening try after five minutes and Kyle Palmer added a penalty before Thatto Heath hit back on the half-hour mark with a try by centre Mike Wood.

The game was then held up for half an hour after visiting full-back Matthew Garner suffered a suspected broken leg. He was taken to hospital and, although, an X-ray showed there was no break, he did suffer torn knee ligaments.

Callaghan got his first try immediately after the resumption and his second five minutes later, both converted by Palmer for an 18-4 half-time advantage.

That became 24-4 soon after the restart as loose-forward Tom Hill scored a converted try and, although Thatto Heath pulled one back through prop Mark Beech, Acorn scored further touchdowns from full-back Matt Embleton, prop Darryl North and second-row Alan Willitts, two converted by Palmer for a 40-8 lead.

James Clark added a consolation for the visitors but the scoring was fittingly rounded off by Acorn, through winger Tom Mackley.

Acorn coach Alfie Hill had said he had wanted his side to rise into the top five by Christmas and, with a run of five home games to follow next week's trip to second-bottom East Leeds, this result will boost optimism that he might get his wish.