YORK Groves pulled off an excellent 27-24 win over third-placed West Craven Warriors to boost their chances of avoiding the drop in Pennine League division five.

The Terriers scored five tries to the Warriors' four but the visitors goaled more to stay in the game until, ironically, Groves' Jason Dunn booted the winning points with a late penalty and drop goal.

Groves dominated the first quarter and, after taking an early lead through Chris Corr, man of the match Dean Kilbride scored a trademark try from the play-the-ball, Dunn goaling.

West Craven got back into the game with two converted tries, but Groves regained the lead before half-time through a Mark Arnold try and stretched it after the interval when Corr embarked on a powerful break in his own half and passed to wingman John Rushworth who did the rest, Dunn goaling.

West Craven hit back, scoring converted tries either side of an unconverted Chris Thompson touchdown to draw level. However, with little time remaining, Groves received a penalty within kicking distance and Dunn found his range.

York Acorn 'A' boosted their title chances in division four by winning 28-16 at leaders Undercliffe to draw level at the top, albeit having played a game more.

Kippax Welfare moved back above New Earswick at the top of division two thanks to a 30-0 walkover win against Silsden Park Rangers. All Blacks, who were not in action, are now two points behind Kippax but have two games in hand.

Updated: 11:03 Tuesday, March 22, 2005