YORK Acorn beat Egremont Rangers 40-18 in a vital National Conference League premier division relegation four-pointer, leaving the Cumbrians all but destined for the drop.

York lost March's reverse fixture at Egremont 26-24 but the Thanet Road encounter proved far more one-sided as Acorn established an early lead through Matt Chilton and Josh Parker tries.

Antony Chilton scored one of the two first-half conversions, finishing with six goals in total.

Egremont fought back through tries from Mitchell Edwards and Jake McBride.
Matt Chilton notched his second try of the game, while Nathan Hammerton also scored to ensure York held the advantage.

Acorn were able to break away from their opponents through a brace from Clayton Shepherdson, and a Jack Byrnes try.

Leon Crellin’s score, alongside Sean Mumberson’s three conversions, were not enough for Rangers to get back into the match, as York won their fourth game in five.

Acorn now sit five points clear of second-from-bottom Egremont and only a point adrift of ninth-placed Pilkington Recs.

Elsewhere, in division two, leaders Heworth were able to beat Woolston Rovers 28-10 away from home, fighting back against a solid effort from the hosts.

Heworth were able to take an early lead through opening tries from Liam Jackson and Adam Dent, initially holding a 12-0 lead.

Woolston though were resilient and, by the 52nd minute, were behind by just two points through touchdowns from Adam Files and Kieron Moore, with a conversion from Aaron Barber.

The Villagers soon restored a comfortable margin in their lead through a brace from Billy Saturday and an additional try from Ben Barnard.

Danny Allan was able to land four goals for the division leaders.

Late in the game, Rovers saw Ryan Brown sent off for punching, while Alex Smith was sin-binned for an altercation with Heworth’s George Elliott, who himself was yellow-carded.

Leon Wilkinson was also yellow carded, having previously been given 10 minutes for dissent.

The Villagers continue to hold a commanding lead at the top of the pile, now sitting seven points above nearest challengers Barrow Island.

Elsewhere, in the Yorkshire Men’s League premier division, New Earswick All Blacks fell to a 68-0 defeat away at Westgate Common.

Next for York Acorn is a clash with Thornhill Trojans away from home. Heworth, meanwhile, will face Wigan St Judes away. Elsewhere, New Earswick All Blacks will face Siddal Academy at home.

All three games will take place on Saturday, August 6 (2.30pm).