NEW player-coach George Elliott scored two tries but Heworth ARLC began their Yorkshire Men's League division one season with a 48-10 defeat at Skirlaugh Bulls 'A'.

Skirlaugh had home advantage as Heworth's Elmpark Way pitch failed an inspection and they turned out a strong side including former York City Knights, Doncaster and Hunslet centre Lee Waterman, following his release by the Hawks.

And, although Heworth matched them early on, the Bulls went clear in the second half.

The Villagers took an early lead through former Knights threequarter Elliott.

Skirlaugh responded quickly to lead 10-4 but Heworth bounced back as a strong drive to the line and fine release pass put Elliott over in the corner, Joe Deighton converting to deservedly level the scores.

Heworth were well in the game at this point but Skirlaugh crossed twice more for a 20-10 half-time lead.

Heworth tried hard in the second period but ultimately ran out of steam against a revitalised Skirlaugh team, for whom scrum-half Lewis Straw, with two tries and six goals, was a dominant force.

For Heworth, Elliott was outstanding and the front row of Jonny Clark, Dave Hayes and veteran Wayne Foster also took the eye.

York Acorn 'A's league campaign in the YML premier division also began with defeat as they fell 34-20 at home to Doncaster Toll Bar - in a game marred by a fight that left Nathan Hamilton in hospital.

Acorn were 10-0 up, Jake Calam's solo try - stealing the ball one on one in his own 20-metre area and sprinting up the other end - being a highlight, but then a fight broke out which saw Hamilton badly concussed and a Toll Bar player sent off for running in and striking. Calam was also sin-binned.

Hamilton was kept in hospital overnight but discharged on Sunday.

The incident knocked Acorn out of their stride and, despite being a man down, Doncaster built a 32-10 lead.

The Blue and Golds, for whom man-of-the-match prop James Bromwich, centre Mark Sanderson and half-back Timmy Elliott stood out, hit back with two tries but Toll Bar sealed victory with a penalty.

Acorn's try-scorers were Calam, John Tattersfield, Sanderson and Mike Embleton, with Dan Lazenby converting two.

Meanwhile, in the Pennine League, New Earswick All Blacks' championship match against West Leeds Eagles was postponed, while Selby Warriors conceded their division two game at Ovenden.

Division four east champions Sherburn Bears were handed free points as Leeds Underdogs forfeited their match.