YORK Acorn under-14s beat rivals Castleford Lock Lane for the first time in six years, 23-18 away, to reach the semi-finals of the Yorkshire Cup.

Oliver Harrison and strong-running Danny Birkitt crossed early on, Ross Varley adding a goal, before Lock Lane replied to cut the lead to 10-6 at the break.

The hosts came back with all guns blazing but faced solid defence and, although they scored two converted tries, Acorn always led as Dominic Nelson and Adam Jones crossed with Varley goaling both and adding a late drop goal. Frantic defence at the death ensured the win.

Oliver Harrison and Dave Leeke were men of the match in a fine team display.

New Earswick All Blacks U13s hammered local rivals York Acorn U13s 50-0 in their first York and District Cup match.

Tries came from Adam Caddie (2), Brad Swainston (2), Luke Watling, Kayle Stannard, Jonny Nendick, Carl Fernandez, Adam Nicholson and Rob Whitehead without reply. The highlight of the game was the performance of substitutes Marcus Patterson, Jack Sullivan and first-time try-scorers Nicholson and Whitehead.

Injury-hit Heworth U15s nearly pulled off a Continuation Cup quarter-final upset only to lose to a late try at Castleford Panthers.

Heworth opened the scoring through Gareth Watson and, although Cas hit back, they continued to press with Craig Winskill crossing and Ben Potter adding his second conversion and a penalty.

Cas levelled at 14-14 and they opened the second half with a try and goal, but Heworth showed character and scored through man of the match Watson and Callum Sullivan to equalise with ten minutes left, only to fall to the late sucker punch. Watson, Sullivan, Potter, Winskill and Richard Rodgers starred.

Heworth U17s' visit to Crigglestone was marred by a broken ankle sustained by Marcus Allan just before half-time.

The Villagers lost 10-7 after a disjointed display, with Rob Ainsworth, Paul Thompson, Sean Coulson and Craig Griffiths the only players to play to their potential. Thompson scored a try and coversion and Chris Varley a drop goal.

Heworth U9s notched their first victory over Stanningley with an exciting 18-14 win.

Outstanding displays came from Billy Legg, Spencer Mitchell and Daniel Coulson as Heworth led 8-4 at the break, Flannan Naismith and Legg crossing, and scored second-half tries through Coulson and Thomas Atkinson, the latter with a full-length effort, while Legg added a goal.

Updated: 11:00 Thursday, March 18, 2004