A SUPERB display saw Selby Warriors pull off their third successive giant-killing act in the Pennine League Shipley Trophy to book a quarter-finals place.

Selby, playing in division five after switching from the Yorkshire League last year, made it a hat-trick of victories over division three opposition with a 9-8 win over Morley Borough.

York Acorn 'A' also moved into the last eight with another win over higher-ranked opposition, the division five leaders hammering division four outfit Wyke 48-6 in a shock win.

The Warriors were without second-row Ian Ramskill so coach Kev Fellows played in the front row and made a towering contribution in the first half as the hosts never missed a tackle.

All the visitors had to show for their efforts was a penalty, while Carl Bardauskas pulled a point back with a drop goal before the hosts went in front with the opening try, Barker forcing his way over.

This gave Selby a 5-2 interval lead, which seemed to be extended when full-back Andy Germaine - against his old club - forced his way over in the corner. But the try was scratched in the first of several controversial refereeing decisions for an apparent foot in touch.

Germaine went close again in the opposite corner after Mark Adam had flicked on Wayne Fennell's kick, but he was tackled inches short.

However, Selby did stretch their lead when prop John Broadhurst capped a superb effort with a try near the corner after barging his way through three players.

At 9-2 down, Morley needed to score twice in the last 20 minutes to win as Selby dug their heels in. They got the first score thanks to another controversial decision as scrum-half Dave Brook was tackled short and appeared to walk the ball over with his elbows, with the referee awarding the try, which was converted.

However, they could not get the second score as Selby's defence held firm, leaving the Warriors celebrating their best win of the season.

Coach Fellows praised the team effort but particularly notable performances came from Broadhurst and Sean Barker with good tackling from half-backs Bardauskas and Fennell.

The threequarters also did well to shut out Leeds Rhinos trialist Neil Hallam, who then suffered a broken thumb.

Acorn produced a solid hard-working display to leave their visitors shell-shocked.

Acorn's tackling was hard and physical while their attack was fluent and well constructed, and they were always in control thanks to the efforts of joint-men of the match Fran Starkey at hooker and Ben Hodgson, who excelled at centre and latterly loose-forward.

Others to catch the eye were second-row Stephen Waldron, stand-off Tom Galloway and prop Alex Benn.

Acorn's win was secured with tries from Hodgson, who also kicked six goals, Matt Embleton (2), fellow winger Matt Wash, Kyle Palmer (2), Galloway, second-row Matthew Chapman and substitute full-back Paul Sawyers, the latter with a length-of-the-field special.

Updated: 11:15 Tuesday, February 17, 2004