YORK Acorn ‘A’ could be in trouble with the Rugby Football League after the referee abandoned the club’s opening game in the Yorkshire Men’s League against Knottingley Worms, writes Ian Appleyard.

The game was just over 30 minutes gone when the referee called time on the contest after allegedly being sworn at by an Acorn player.

The decision has drawn criticism from Knottingley on social media with the club posting on Twitter to say: “Winning 28-4 after half hour and ref decides to walk off and abandon game cos a York acorn player swore at him! Poor reffing #worms”

A spokesman for Acorn, meanwhile, confirmed that the game had been abandoned and that both clubs have subsequently been in touch with the RFL to discuss the matter.

Both clubs are now awaiting developments.

The game, which had already seen a couple of players being sent to the sin-bin, is expected to be replayed at a later date.

Liam Gargan bagged a hat-trick of tries as New Earswick All Blacks made a winning start to the season in the Yorkshire Men’s League first division.

Buoyed by their performances in the Forty20 Cup, the All Blacks took the lead against Odsal Sedbergh when Tommy Hields finished off a kick towards the corner. Tom Holmes added the extras.

Playmaker Gargan then grabbed his opening try which was converted again by Holmes.

The All Blacks defended solidly for the next ten minutes as Odsal had eight sets near the line.

The pressure eventually told and the lead was reduced to 12-6 as Odsal scored a converted try.

But Gargan’s second try of the afternoon, successfully converted by Barron, restored a 12-point lead for the All Blacks going into the half-time interval.

Holmes scored under the sticks at the start of the second period and converted his own try.

The All Blacks, who quit the Pennine League to join the Yorkshire Men’s League this season, took full control of the contest.

Gargan completed his hat-trick after a Dan Atkinson break led to an ankle tap short of the line and a flick pass opened the door.

Alex Wilkins then scored the All Blacks’ sixth try of the afternoon when breaking off three defenders to cross the line just to the left of the posts.

Hields wrapped up the All Blacks’ scoring with his sixth try of the season.

Although Odsal reduced the deficit near the end, the All Blacks were worthy 42-10 winners.

Ewan Coverdale, who made his debut at full back, received the man of the match award for a fine all-round performance.

He was praised for the way he dealt with Odsal attacks and ran with the ball in hand.