YORK ACORN ARLC will be playing only for pride against Saddleworth on Saturday after a 36-8 defeat against Siddal confirmed their relegation from the National Conference League premier division.

Although they showed plenty of endeavour against well organised opponents on Tuesday night, two points were essential if they were to have a chance of beating the drop.

Acorn opened the scoring on eight minutes with a Jon Liddell penalty following a high tackle but Siddal hit back within two minutes – hooker Craig Sanderson regathering the ball after a kick-ahead to cross.

On 16 minutes, loose forward Simeon Hoyle darted through a gap in the Acorn defence and, when winger Gareth Blackburn goaled, they were 10-2 ahead.

That became 14-2 at the break when centre Andy Bowman stretched over the line following some excellent approach play.

Siddal opened the scoring in the second period when Gareth Blackburn went over the in the corner but Acorn hit back. A good Simon Wadsworth break made the gap for Joe Budd to race over from 30 yards.

Liddell’s goal reduced the gap to 18-8. But two tries in two minutes sealed the game for Siddal. Firstly, full-back Scott Caley ended a good passing movement and then centre Chris Marsh barged over.

Man of the match Caley rounded off the scoring on 75 minutes with a good individual effort from 25 yards.

Saddleworth are next up for Acorn at Thanet Road and Mike Embleton and Jon Liddell will continue to take charge of the first team, with Scott Rhodes only into the third match of a five-game ban following a sending-off against Wigan St Judes earlier in the season.

They will continue their policy of blooding youth for the remainder of the season.

Heworth must wait a while for their last game in NCL division two, but Heworth ‘A’ take on White Rose in CMS Yorkshire League division three, while Acorn ‘A’ host East Leeds ‘A’ in the Gordon Teal White Rose Trophy quarter-finals.

Third-placed New Earswick return to action in the Pennine League championship in a big home game against leaders Wibsey Warriors.

Wibsey, who have only lost once in the league, are reported to be a good rugby playing side who like to move the ball around the pitch.

All Blacks coach Simon Baynes was not too despondent over last week’s President’s Cup quarter-final defeat to Keighley Albion and believes his side will be up to the test this Saturday.

He said: “The young lads we drafted in last week from the ‘A’ team did well and will have taken a lot from that game.

“Wibsey are also going to provide us with a challenge this week and we are up for that challenge.”

Injury wise, there are only slight doubts over Max Bracken (back), Shaun Malarkey (groin) and Alan Pallister (arm). A win for All Blacks would bring them back into promotion contention.

All Blacks ‘A’ travel to Drighlington ‘A’ in division four.

All Blacks lost the home fixture 28-16 in a competitive match earlier in the season and coach Carl Pallister will again have to see the make-up of the first team before naming his side.