York Acorn's recent good run of form in Arriva Trains Conference division two came to an abrupt end when they were well beaten 44-12 at bogey side Normanton Knights.

The injury-hit Blue and Golds were without six of the side that beat high-riding Mayfield last week, five of whom were from the pack, which means Acorn's injury list is now well into double figures, with several long-term absentees.

They still managed to field a side capable of giving their Wakefield hosts a tough challenge if they had played anything near their best form.

However, Acorn produced a below-par showing, especially in the first 20 minutes when their tackling was virtually non-existent and their play was littered with unforced errors that handed the initiative and 18 points to their opponents.

Only the heroics of man of the match loose-forward Andy Lee and the bravery of full-back Kevin Brundrett in defence kept Acorn in sight of their opponents come half time.

It had started well as a penalty by Brundrett had given Acorn an early lead but, due to the reshuffling, Acorn's attack faltered as the side took time to gel and a Normanton blitz brought the hosts three soft converted tries.

Gradually Acorn started to get involved and for the final 15 minutes of the first half they at least challenged for field position and, with second-rower Paul Payne, prop Paul Dodsworth and outstanding centre Michael Embleton running hard, began to look like scoring.

On 35 minutes, centre Alan Willitts took several tacklers over the line with him for a fine try which Brundrett goaled, but Normanton hit back with a penalty for a 20-8 half-time lead.

Acorn needed to strike first after the break if they were to have any hopes of winning but they produced 20 minutes that mirrored the opening 20 of the first period to concede tries on 43, 48 and 54 minutes, which ended the game as a realistic contest.

Acorn's plight in the second period was not helped by injuries to centre Alan Willitts, scrum-half Craig Fox and, crucially, Lee, which saw teenager Kyle Palmer make a useful debut at full-back.

Acorn went close several times but were unable to pierce a determined defence until the 76th minute when Embleton was rewarded for his hard work with a try.

But by then Acorn, despite tightening up their defence, had conceded two further late tries to go down to a heavy scoreline.

Acorn will need to greatly improve their tackling and cut out the unforced errors if they are to come out on top in the big derby clash against Heworth next week.

Updated: 13:03 Monday, November 03, 2003