Youngsters battle well for York Acorn (From York Press)

Youngsters battle well for York Acorn ARLC

10:30am Tuesday 2nd October 2012 in Rugby League

YORK Acorn ARLC ‘A’ team crashed to a 34-24 defeat against Normanton Knights ‘A’ in the Yorkshire Men’s League divisional grand final at Stanningley.

Acorn continued their policy of giving youngsters a chance and fielded a side featuring four 16-year-olds.

But, with the Normanton first team not playing, it was always going to be an uphill task for the young Blue and Golds outfit.

They stuck to their guns and scored tries through John Waldron, Josh Potter, Josh Thompson, Harry Bromwich and Andy Gargan, while Callum Hannigan kicked two goals.

Carl Loft worked tirelessly as usual with Bromwich, Potter, Charlie Settle and Thompson all gaining valuable experience.

New Earswick All Blacks continued their good start to the Pennine League championship season with a 44-0 win against Ackworth Jaguars.

All Blacks took the lead after three minutes, stand-off Liam Gargan crashing over for an unconverted try.

They extended their lead with Gargan crossing for his second, with scrum-half Tom Holmes converting.

Gargan made it a hat-trick after 15 minutes, Holmes again obliging with the extras.

The try spree continued through prop Jack Stearman and second rower Chris Spain racing in from 30 metres, with Holmes adding the extras to both.

Gargan’s fourth try arrived a minute into the second half and Stearman too crossed, his effort goaled by Holmes before the same player converted a fifth try by man-of-the-match Gargan.

Said coach Simon Malarkey: “We showed great defence despite many changes to the side. Now we’re hoping to keep a settled side as we push on up the table.”

New Earswick ‘A’ put on a spirited performance despite going down 50-16 at Siddal in division four.

All Blacks travelled with only 13 players and went down to 12 after ten minutes, Kyle Lowson suffering a nasty cut to his leg.

After four tries from the hosts, All Blacks hit back with Jo Hnesh crossing for an unconverted try.

Ahead 25-4 at half-time, Siddal motored to 40-4 but All Blacks never gave up and responded with Johnny Clark crashing over, converted by Dean Layton.

Siddal crossed twice more but All Blacks had the final say with man-of-the-match Clark crossing for his second, again kicked by Layton.