YORK Acorn secured their place in the National Conference League premier division for next season with a 26-18 win at home over Pilkington Recs.

Acorn had, for much of the campaign, looked set for the drop, having hovered in and around the relegation zone. After 12 games, they had won just once.

Now though, after six wins in their last nine fixtures, they have climbed away from the drop and instead consigned Pilkington to relegation with their victory, Pilks having lost seven of their closing eight games.

Phil Riley gave the visiting Pilkington the lead on eight minutes, but found themselves down 16-6 after half-an-hour through tries from Josh Parker, Luke Swales and Matthew Wood.

The teams entered half-time with York up by four at 16-12, though Antony Chilton scored a penalty-goal early in the second half to extend Acorn’s lead to six points.

On the hour mark, the teams at Thanet Road were level after Kyran Knapper’s try and third conversion equalled the score at 18-18.

Chilton gave his side a two-point lead through a penalty-goal and with just two minutes left to play, substitute Lewis Lord notched a try which, with Chilton’s fifth goal of the game, was enough for them to win.

Elsewhere, in division two, Heworth were due to take on Bradford Dudley Hill at home, a game in which the hosts would have been presented with their trophy for winning the division.

Bradford though were unable to raise a side. An artificial scoreline, implemented by the NCL, of 30-14 in Heworth’s favour was awarded.

Meanwhile, Heworth product Marcus Walker has been released by Betfred Super League side Hull FC.

Elsewhere, in the Yorkshire Mens League premier division, New Earswick All Blacks were beaten 6-46 by Fryston Warriors at home.

Next up for the All Blacks is a clash with Queensbury away from home on Saturday (2.30pm).