YORK Acorn packman Reece Rushworth started in the second row as the BARLA Great Britain Lions met Australian Affiliated States in their amateur rugby league Test match in Fiji.

The game ended in agony for the Lions as the Affiliated States scored twice in the dying moments to overcome a 20-18 deficit and win 28-20.

The Lions' tries came from captain Jamie Fields (Hunslet Club Parkside), Jack Jones (Thatto Heath) and Craig Savage (Lock Lane), with Fields adding three conversions and a penalty.

The touring BARLA Lions - for whom Acorn coach Leigh Paul-Rientoul is assistant-boss - must now defeat Fiji Bati Residents on Friday to stand a chance of winning the International Tri-Series.

Rushworth is the brother of York City Knights' former Acorn favourite Joe Porter.