YORK Acorn 'A' have no match this weekend but will be keeping a close eye on the result of the game between title rivals Thornton and Wyke, writes Peter Martini.

Acorn head Pennine League division four by four points from Wyke and did their title hopes a power of good by beating third-placed Thornton 6-2 away last Saturday.

Defences were on top in the horrendous conditions before Ben Hodgson finally broke the Thornton line, with veteran Barry Fox backing up to score a good try. Craig Fox added the conversion to counter a home penalty as Acorn went into half-time 6-2 up.

Acorn had to dig in after the break playing up the hill against the gale-force wind but, with Matthew Chapman taking the York side forward with a man of the match display backed by a hard-working team performance, Acorn held out to secure a fine win.

Selby Warriors will aim to bounce back in division five from their heavy defeat to Wetherby Bulldogs with victory at mid-table Park Amateurs 'A'.

Selby still head the table and remain on course for promotion but unbeaten Bank Top Harriers are closing in. Bank Top hammered Park Amateurs 44-0 last week so Saturday's game could prove to be a good marker for the Warriors.

York Groves, whose game at Keighley Albion 'A' last week was postponed, face a trip to bottom club Clayton 'A' aiming to kick off their 2005 campaign with victory.

Heworth 'A' have no game in Yorkshire League division three.

Updated: 11:31 Thursday, January 13, 2005