YORK Acorn ARLC slumped to a 26-12 defeat at Ince Rose Bridge in National Conference League division one.

The Blue and Golds' inability to convert good opportunities into points ultimately cost them the match.

Ince started strongly and the first score came on 11 minutes when Keiron Eccleston came back on the angle to crash over and full-back Connor Mathews converted.

The game continued to ebb and flow, and AAcorn's Ryan Gallacher had a foot in touch after a superb 50-metre break on 20 minutes.

Acorn levelled on 28 minutes when Matthew Woods barged over from close range, Antony Chilton converting.

Just on half-time, the hosts benefited from a lucky bounce and Eccleston romped over for an easy four-pointer, which he converted for a six-point lead.

Acorn started brightly in the second period but Ince struck first on 46 minutes when half-back Eccleston grabbed his hat-trick try, Adam Dwyer adding the extras.

The Blue and Golds continued to enjoy good field position and wingman Woods crashed over for his second try and Chilton goaled from the sideline on 60 minutes.

Acorn failed to regather the restart and, after conceding a penalty, Dwyer slotted a penalty goal to create an important eight-point gap.

Jordan Myers was tackled inches short as Acorn tried to fight back, but then Dwyer charged over after some slack defence and converted.

Daryl North was Acorn's man of the match after a tireless display, closely followed by Tim Stubbs, Tim Elliott and Woods.

Meanwhile, Heworth crashed 48-0 at division three leaders Featherstone Lions.