THOMAS Mackley swept in for a hat-trick of tries as York Acorn ARL Club entered 2007 on a high.

Mackley's treble was one of the highlights of Acorn's 40-8 demolition of Milford Marlins which pushed Alfie Hill's side up to sixth in National Conference One - just six points off a promotion place.

It was nip and tuck in the opening exchanges with the visitors taking the lead with a penalty from the boot of Paul Coates.

But by half-time Acorn had snatched a 10-2 lead with Joe Budd scoring a try converted by Kyle Palmer before Mackley scored the first of his tries five minutes before the interval.

The home side, inspired by man-of-the-match James Morrow, came out after the break with all guns blazing and quickly built up a 28-2 lead with three tries - all improved by goal-kicker Palmer.

Marrow was first to cross just two minutes after the re-start and further touchdowns by Mackley and Mathew Embleton put Acorn in a strong position.

The visitors hit back with another score by Coates, who also tagged on the extras, but Acorn finished the stronger with Mackley going over to complete his hat-trick and Palmer crossing near the end. Palmer also slotted over his sixth successful goal-kick for a personal tally of 16 points.

Acorn, who put in a good defensive display, will be looking to push on in the second half of the season, particularly as the bulk of their games will be played at Thanet Road.

Division Two side Heworth did not have a game at the weekend.