YORK Acorn stand on the brink of relegation from the National Conference Premier Division after defeat to fellow strugglers Egremont Rangers.

Although, mathematically, it may still be possible to survive with three games to go, this 19-6 defeat hammered another nail into the coffin.

Only Lock Lane’s failure to beat Pilkington Recs extends Acorn’s agony until next weekend when they visit third placed West Hull.

And even if they win their final three games - against West Hull, Hull Dockers, and Pilkington - Acorn would still need Lock Lane to lose their remaining three fixtures and toss away a points difference of 181 and Egrement to lose their final three fixtures, tossing away a points difference of 72.

Coach Leigh Paul Rientoul had identified last weekend’s trip to struggling Egremont as a ‘win or bust’ game but, although his players battled hard in the rain, their application with ball in hand was too often lacking.

Acorn frequently resorted to ‘one man rugby’ and this was never going to test a resolute Egremont defensive line who always had enough bodies to deal with the attack.

Acorn made the perfect start after three minutes when scrum half Tim Elliott put in a dangerous tactical kick and centre Ryan Gallacher pounced for the try. Anthony Chilton added the extras to put Acorn six points to the good.

For the next 10 minutes, Acorn were easily the best team but they were unable to register further scores.

Egremont drew level on 21 minutes when, after their first real period of pressure, they scored a converted try.

The Cumbrians’ extra bite in attack proved dividends eight minutes later when they took full advantage of an Acorn defender pushing up and leaving a gap to score their second converted try and take a 12- 6 lead into the interval.

Defences dominated in the second half and the crucial game breaker came on 69 minutes when the Cumbrians stretched their lead to 7 points courtesy of a drop goal.

Despite the immense efforts of man of the match Tim Stubbs - who received excellent support from fellow prop James Bromwich - and the all round work rate of winger Joel Johnson, Acorn were unable to change the course of the result and Egremont finished off the scoring on 74 minutes with a third converted try.

A shortage of players meant York Acorn ‘A’ had to pull out of their scheduled trip to leaders West Bowling in the Yorkshire Men’s League Premier Division.

In Yorkshire Mens League Division One, Heworth nearly caused an upset against Champions-elect Batley Boys but lost 14-6 in a game played on a sloping pitch in torrential rain.

Batley broke the deadlock after 20 minutes when stand off Adam Bingham touched down and added the extras.

It was nip and tuck for the remainder of the half but neither side troubled the scoreboard.

The Villagers hit back at the start of the second half when Callum Worthington darted away from the acting half back and, despite a desperate tap tackle, somersautled over the line. Loose forward Joe Deighton kicked the conversion to level the scores. The final 39 minutes became a war of attrition but the hosts finally prevailed when scrum half Luke Sheridan jinked under the posts on 70 minutes and added the conversion along with a penalty goal two minutes from time. Deighton took the man of the match award for Heworth.