Acorn were the only York amateur team in action at the weekend as both Heworth and New Earswick's BARLA National Cup ties fell victim to the weather.

Sadly there was no joy for Acorn as they suffered a 24-2 defeat at Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks in the National Conference League second division.

At least Acorn could take heart from an improved performance with a much changed line-up.

The Blue and Golds took the lead with a seventh minute penalty by centre Jon Hough before Sheffield hit back ten minutes later.

Prop forward Nathan Worton powered over from close range for a try goaled by scrum-half John Nicholls.

The decisive moment of the game came right on the stroke of half-time when Sheffield stretched their lead to 12-2 courtesy of a try by winger John White, who capitalised on a fine cross-field kick. Nicholls added the conversion.

The next score came in the 50th minute when the hosts' substitute prop Jack Howleson crossed for an unconverted try.

A brace of unconverted tries by Hawks loose forward Pil Hough in the 62nd and 74th minutes gave the home side a seemingly comfortable win, but they were made to work for it because the performances of prop Nicky Caldwell, utility back Johnny Waldron, full-back Paul Sawyer and hooker Dave Norman meant Acorn were at least competitive right to the final whistle.

New Earswick and Heworth play their respective postponed BARLA Cup second round ties against Birkenshaw and Leigh East next week, while Acorn will be in third round action at home to Blackpool Scorpions.

Updated: 11:44 Monday, February 05, 2001