Rugby League

York Acorn couldn't quite pull off the victory at London Skolars that would have ensured their National Conference status but their future looks safe after rivals New Earswick All Blacks suffered defeat at Ideal Isberg.

Acorn were beaten 30-20 in the capital as a last minute try from Andy Hirst made sure of the points for the Skolars.

Two tries by Mark Hebblethwaite and three goals from Lee Frank had put Acorn ahead after tries by London's Brad Verylls and Hirst, both converted by Brett Plummer, had given Skolars a 12-0 lead.

But the home side hit back with a brace by centre Bobby Brown and one by winger Adam Kakembo to go in 20-14 ahead at the interval.

A Gavin Minz try increased their lead before in-form centre Gareth Lloyd, still in with a chance of finishing as the second division's top try-scorer, replied for Acorn and Ken Embleton's goal left them just 24-20 behind.

New Earswick All Blacks have just two games left to salvage something from their season after suffering a 38-18 defeat at title chasing Ideal Isberg.

But the All Blacks, who remain in the second re-election spot, showed terrific fighting spirit in the second half to fight back from 28-0 down at the interval.

The table-topping Hull side are already promoted having lost just one game all season and will clinch the title if they defeat nearest challengers Eccles next week.

But player-coach Terry Smirk will have a few worries after his side's second half slump which was to the All Blacks credit.

The home side took a first minute lead with a Charlie Patterson try before Kevin Toomey, Dave Ward, Andy Parker and Ricky Hoggard all crossed for further tries with Smirk adding four goals. But Simon Malarkey gave New Earswick some early hope after the break and, though Isberg scored twice more through second tries for Ward and Patterson, the York side finished the stronger as Graham Cass and coach Paddy Bradford both touched down late on, which Carl Pallister goaled.

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