YORK Acorn's Under-13s were beaten by Newsome Panthers when they played at the home of Kingstone Press Championship club Featherstone Rovers.
The budding rugby league stars of the future had beaten off competition from 26 rival clubs to secure a place in the final of the Continuation Cup which was staged at the LD Nutrition Stadium (formerly known as Post Office Road) last weekend.
But they were always rank outsiders to lift the trophy as the Panthers, from Huddersfield, are currently top of a higher division in junior rugby league.
After a gutsy first half performance, Acorn trailed only 8-4 at the interval but conceded 16 points without reply in the second half to lose 24-4.
Coach Craig Lucas said: "We knew it would be a tough task but I was so proud of the lads and it was a great effort. Everyone enjoyed the day and the experience of playing at a professional ground."
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