Heworth became only the second team to lose to Millom this season as they crashed 20-4 in Cumbria to all but cement their place in the bottom two of the Arriva Trains Conference.

The wooden spoon remains unlikely as Millom need to beat leaders East Hull in their last game to draw level with the Villagers, but the ignominy of seeking re-election is now all but guaranteed.

Heworth rarely looked like achieving a double over the Cumbrians and their only points came via a Gavin Grant try eight minutes from time.

Millom had been in control by then, with Paul Wilson crossing in the first half and Tom Sibley scoring twice in the second, with Phil Gowling adding four goals.

Heworth spokesman Ken Sykes picked out prop Simon Harrison and centre John Coulson as their best players but added: "It was another poor display."

York Acorn also lost, 26-4 at in-form Huddersfield Sharks, but there were several positives for coach Dave Kay as his side gave their best display for some time.

Due to injuries, work commitments and the 'A' team's crucial clash, Acorn had only 14 players, of which four were teenagers making their Conference debuts.

Many observers thought they would be lambs to the slaughter but they produced a fine display built on commitment and positivity.

All 14 took the game to the hosts, and the scoreline could have been closer if they had finished off some fine approach play or had more fresh legs.

Props Adam Endersby and Michael Hagan, Andy Gargan at hooker and second-row Gary Isles impressed, while scrum-half Jon Waldron was man of the match and centre Michael Embleton shone, as did teenagers Kyle Palmer at full-back, substitute hooker Kevin Brayshaw and wingers Matthew Embleton and Andy Scott.

Sharks scored three first-half tries but Acorn refused to buckle and twice nearly crossed following breaks by Michael Embleton and Danny Liddell before they got some reward when excellent three-quarter play saw the ball sweep across the pitch for second-row Dean Crump to cross out wide.

Acorn made only one substitution in the match yet the second half proved even tighter with Huddersfield crossing only twice.

More ARL reports, including Acorn 'A's top-of-the-table match, will be published later in the week.

Updated: 11:08 Monday, March 15, 2004