York Groves ARLC's slim hopes of promotion from Pennine League division five were dashed with a 24-4 home defeat to second-placed Undercliffe.

Groves were under pressure from the start but defended their line with great resolve and, with Andy Starkey and James Foster-Rain gaining valuable yards, started to get back into the game.

Paul Scott had a try disallowed due to a forward pass in the build-up and, just as Groves were getting on top, Undercliffe scored an excellent converted try after a break out wide. Just before half-time the visitors doubled their lead when going in under the posts.

A third converted try was added to Undercliffe's tally just after the break, giving Groves little chance of coming back.

An Adie Beales try in the corner, too wide out for Jason Dunn to convert, from a Simon Moat pass gave them a little hope of getting back into the game, but it was ended as Undercliffe finished the scoring with another converted try.

The result put Undercliffe level on points with leaders York Acorn 'A', though the latter, whose Shipley Trophy tie with Wyke was postponed, have three games in hand.

Selby Warriors, whose Shipley Trophy clash with Morley Borough was also called off, remain third but with games in hand.

As reported by the Evening Press, Heworth 'A' were back in action after being able to field a team again, only to go down 10-0 to Sharlston in Yorkshire League division three.

Updated: 10:47 Tuesday, February 03, 2004