YORK Acorn ARLC under-16s came from 24-16 down to draw 24-24 with table-topping Featherstone Lions in a ding-dong encounter.

Acorn got off to a flier with a full-length interception try by full-back Tyler Dawson goaled by Antony Chilton, before good cross-field handling was finished by a strong burst from Matty Winn.

Poor defensive work allowed Featherstone to get back into the game but Acorn were at their best again when great running and handling by several players created space for Stuart Leeke to stride in beside the posts, Chilton's goal making it 16-6.

However, silly mistakes gifted Featherstone two converted tries for an undeserved 18-16 advantage and the visitors began the second half the livelier, scoring a long-range converted try to further increase their lead.

Acorn continued with their Jekyll and Hyde performance, with hard work by Jordan Hyde and Josh Mortimer being spoiled by poor handling or mistakes.

But Acorn got back in to it when Dawson showed good strength to squeeze in at the corner, then a mistake allowed Tom Eaton to pick the ball up and show good strength and speed to cross the line for his first Acorn try.

Chilton's attempt at goal just failed, and the scores remained tied at the final whistle.

Joint man of the match Josh Potter scored his fourth hat-trick of the season to give York Acorn U12s a 14-12 win at Crigglestone.

Acorn got off to a perfect start on a blustery day with a clever back-spin kick-off into the wind from hooker Ali Fawcett. The home side hesitated and let the ball bounce into the arms of Potter, who ran past three defenders to score in the corner.

The Wakefield side levelled at 4-4 but, from a scrum, hard-working captain Harry Bromwich gave a good pass to second-row Potter, who again outpaced several defenders for an 8-4 half-time lead.

Crigg took advantage of poor defence to equalise again and, with confidence boosted, went 12-8 up after a good spell.

Acorn had to dig deep and, with five minutes to go, Potter, who had just rejoined the game after taking a knock, produced an outstanding effort beating four players to score under the posts, with Fawcett's conversion giving Acorn a memorable win.

Ashley Robson was joint man of the match. The most improved player was second-row Ricky Watson.

A lacklustre Heworth U12s team failed to get out of the blocks and lost 34-0 at Upton.

The hosts dominated possession and a big Upton score looked on the cards when they went into half-time leading 26-0. However, Heworth's defensive improvement in the second half saw the home side cross only twice more.