York Acorn Amateur Rugby League Club Under-9s suffered their first reverse of the season when beaten by two tries to one by an impressive Batley Boys outfit.

Defences were on top and Acorn were well served in this department by their top tackler and man of the match Tom Worthy, closely followed by Ben Johnson and Anthony Chilton.

Both sides scored a try in the first half with Acorn's reply coming from the strong-running Liam Wilkinson.

Acorn failed to turn pressure into points in the second half and were beaten by a try two minutes from time.

Acorn Under-8s let slip a three-try lead in their five-try draw at Featherstone.

Strong running and tackling brought Callum Hannigan two deserved tries and the joint man of the match award, which he shared with Jamie Stuart.

Stuart defended well, as did Ryan Gallacher, Gareth Smith and Joel Johnson. Acorn's other tries came from Joel Johnson (2) and Sam Orange.

Updated: 12:10 Thursday, May 31, 2001