YORK Acorn ARLC are in the hat for today’s Carnegie Challenge Cup second round draw after an 18-10 victory at Shaw Cross Sharks.

The first round tie was always tight and the visitors were made to fight all the way to gain the spoils.

All the points were scored in the first half, with the Blue and Golds hitting the front after six minutes when Michael Embleton barged his way over from close range.

Anthony Chilton goaled.

Two minutes later, Danny Caldwell followed up a Tim Elliott kick to touchdown and Chilton added the extras.

The home side got back into the game on 13 minutes when second-row Andrew Brummitt scored wide out after Acorn conceded a penalty.

Ryan Glynn goaled.

Acorn crossed again on 32 minutes when a good angled run from Daryl North saw him carry two defenders over the line for a good try, which Chilton again converted.

On the stroke of half-time Shaw Cross winger Paul Adams went over in the corner.

Defences dominated after the break, although both sides bombed chances to score.

Tom Hill was man of the match, but there were big performances from Nick Speck, Jordan Hyde and Chris Rushworth.

Acorn have ousted Norland Sharks and Shaw Cross in successive weekends to book their place in the second round draw, which will take place aboard the Royal Navy’s flagship vessel, HMS Illustrious, today.

The ties will be played over the weekend of March 10 and 11.

Championship clubs – including York City Knights – enter the fray in the third round on March 24 and 25.