A determined effort from York Acorn ARLC Under-18s was not enough for them to claim their third piece of silverware of the season as they lost 30-16 to Shaw Cross Sharks in the Yorkshire League Cup final.

As reported in Park Life, the Thanet Road young guns won the Yorkshire Youth League division one title and play-off final, as well as qualifying for the cup showdown with the premier division Sharks.

However, after waiting several weeks to play this last game of the season, they were finally undone, not helped by some controversial refereeing calls which Shaw Cross took advantage of to build a 16-4 half-time lead.

Strong running second-row Joe Porter got Acorn’s try, but the Dewsbury side dominated early in the second half to increase their lead before a superb individual effort from hooker Joel Johnson reduced the errors again, Matthew Brewer goaling.

Shaw Cross again scored but at least Acorn had the last word when hard-working prop Tim Stubbs went over, Brewer again goaling.

Acorn U18s coach Mick Lumby said: “Although Shaw Cross deserved to lift the cup, nothing should be taken away from the Acorn lads who have had an excellent season and should be very proud of their efforts throughout the year.”

York Acorn U15s were below par but pulled a victory out of the hat as they won 24-22 at Kippax thanks to a try on the last play of the game.

Kippax had led from the fifth minute in front of vociferous home support, but Acorn came back to maintain their 100 per cent record this summer season.

Coach Mick Calam said: “I was proud of all the lads as they showed courage, pride and determination against a very hostile Kippax touchline.

“To win the game in the last minute was awesome.”

Kippax built a 16-4 lead, Jacob Walker crashing over for Acorn’s try, before the deficit was reduced as Keiran Brown was first to react to a cross-field kick from Jake Calam. Walker then took a superb pass from Calam at pace, Calam converting, to make it 16-14 at half-time.

Kippax went eight points clear again but, as the game became a battle of attrition, Alex Smith powered through, Calam goaling, and, in the dying seconds, Calam off-loaded to Smith to force his way over for the winner.

Wide-man Robbie Langstaff was the man of the match for relentless tackling in front of the aforementioned touchline, while Walker, Smith, Tom Bedda and Tom Noble, on his return after two years playing football, also stood out.

York Acorn U14s beat Kippax 38-28.

Acorn were quick off the mark as Ryan Woodcock and Matty Chilton both crossed twice, while Cain Horseman forced an error to go in under the posts, all converted by Chilton.

Kippax hit back with five tries, but Acorn man-of-the-match Chilton guided Acorn and a superb 30-metre cross-field kick saw Brad Winter go over.

Then Winter went in from 20 metres for a good solo effort to seal the win.

New Earswick All Blacks U10s gave their best display for some time in a friendly against Sherburn Bears U10s, to turn the tables after their previous meeting.

Luke Prenty scored to cap a great debut with other tries coming from Ellena Powell, Lewis Stephens (2), Lewis Young and Ryan Kendra. Jake Wiseman was most improved, while the ‘magic moment’ award went to Young, for his back-handed pass, and Stephens, for finishing the move.