Acorn Under-10s thrived at the last in a hard-fought tussle against Wetherby.

In a see-sawing encounter the lead changed hands throughout.

But as the final seconds ticked away and with Wetherby leading 22-18, Ryan Duffell charged over for a well deserved try to level the score. Danny Atkins then kicked the extras to take the honours.

Acorn's top try-scorer was Ryan Gallacher, who posted a four-time haul, all springing from quick tap penalties, to add to a lone conversion.

A workmanlike performance gained Liam Bedford the man of the match award, while there was solid tackling from Gallacher, Bedford, Tim Winn, Atkins, Karl Read and Martin Brown.

All the lads played as a well-drilled unit to deserve their win.

Acorn Under-11s out-tackled and out-paced their New Earswick All Blacks' counterparts to post a 26-0 triumph in which hard tackling put the beaten ranks on the back foot from the first whistle.

A key feature was the strong running of Sam Orange, Jamie Stewart and Jack Scarce, which enabled Callum Hannigan to take command.

Orange surged through defensive gaps to notch a brace of tries, team-mate Ryan Hamilton twice crossing from closer range.

Hannigan finished his fine display with a try from close in as the Acorn ranks signed off in command and then paid tribute to the hospitality shown by the All Blacks and Mark Johnson in particular.

New Earswick All Blacks U9s were in sparkling form, meanwhile, but were just unable to topple highly-rated Castleford Panthers, who finished victors by 12 tries to five.

The most improved player went to Jack Lawrenson, while the top tackler was Scott Fernandez, who headed the count with 11 tackles.

Man of the match was awarded to Joe Friend, whose all-round display was capped by two tries.

Sam Gell got the other three tries, weighing in with an impressive eight-tackle tally.

Updated: 09:54 Thursday, April 01, 2004