STAND OFF Anthony Chilton delivered a masterclass in kicking as York Acorn ended a run of three consecutive defeats in the National Conference League first division with a 38-12 victory at high flying Hunslet Warriors.

Chilton deservedly took the Man of the Match award but Acorn had heroes all over the park – including teenage second rowers Brandon Harris and Reece Rushworth, who are improving with every game, wingers Matty Downes and Josh Thompson, and prolific centre Ryan Gallacher who scored a hat trick of tries.

Acorn started strongly and an early 'up and under' by Chilton caused panic in Warriors' defence. From a spilled ball, scrum half Matthew Chilton picked up the loose ball and scored a try which brother Anthony converted.

Hunslet brought parity to the scoreline when they scored after the ball came loose in a tackle right on the try line. The referee ruled that the ball had gone forward from a one-on-one steal and so Hunslet were awarded the try. The hosts also added the conversion.

On 25 minutes, Acorn substitute forward Jack Byrne continued his rich vein of try-scoring form when he capitalised on an astute pass by Elliott Bulmer to go in under the posts. Chilton added the conversion to put his side 12-6 ahead.

Acorn extended their lead to 18-6 when Anthony Chilton drilled the ball into the Hunslet twenty and Gallacher latched onto the bouncing ball to score his first try of the game. Chilton added the conversion.

After the restart, Acorn moved 20-6 ahead when Anthony Chilton kicked a penalty goal.

Acorn were now dominant and, on 57 minutes, hooker James Mountford capitalised on two storming runs by improving substitute forward Adam Speck which set up the position from which Mountford went over from acting half.

Chilton's conversion saw Acorn move into a 26-6 lead.

Things got even better for Acorn on 63 minutes when Gallacher (following a long range kick by Chilton) took the ball in a one-on-one steal and raced in for his second try of the game. Chilton, inevitably, turned it into a 'six pointer' and gave Acorn a commanding 26 point lead.

The hosts finally got a consolation score on 68 minutes when they managed to cross over out wide for a converted try that took them into double figures.

Acorn, fittingly, had the final word in a game which they had dominated from start to finish.

Captain and full back Joe Budd joined the three quarters line at pace before releasing Gallacher who went in for his hat trick score.

Anthony Chilton added the conversion to give Acorn their final tally of 38 points and a personal points tally of 14 points on an afternoon when he let his boots do the talking - kicking 6 out of 6 conversion attempts as well as his only penalty attempt.

Acorn deserved this win and will hope it kick starts their campaign.

* ACORN 'A' lost 18-16 in a thriller at West Hull in the Yorkshire Men's League division one.