York Acorn are looking nervously over their shoulder after neighbours New Earswick All Blacks pulled off their first victory in three months to give themselves a lifeline in their re-election battle.

On the charge: New Earswick All Black's try-scorer Lee McTigue takes the game to the Blackbrook defence

Despite Saturday's 26-6 win over Blackbrook the All Blacks remain second from bottom of the National Conference division two but a win over promoted Eccles in their final game next week will see them to safety - and condemn Acorn to the second re-election spot.

It was a tremendous effort from the All Blacks who last recorded a win on January 16 against bottom club Keighley Albion. They had been written off in many quarters but showed real fighting spirit at White Rose Avenue to overcome a Blackbrook side riding high in third place.

There was little to choose between the two sides until the latter stages of the game when All Blacks took control to run out convincing winners.

Man of the match Dave Carling gave the York side the lead with a penalty after five minutes before Andy Holland replied for the visitors. Lee McTigue then grabbed the first try of the match and Carling added the extras but Blackbrook cut the half-time deficit to just two points when impressive stand-off Mike Hitchen went over for a try after half an hour.

While the first half had been a tight affair, the second belonged to the All Blacks. Carling increased their lead five minutes after the interval then stand-off Mick Harrison put them well in command when he picked up a loose ball and raced 50 metres to touch down.

Simon Mullarkey snatched New Earswick's third try, goaled by Carling, to put breathing space between them and the St Helens-based side whose day was made complete two minutes from time when fullback Jimmy Shuttleworth was sent off. Harrison wrapped up the win with his second try in the dying seconds and Carling slotted home the goal from a difficult angle.

Heworth's fate could be determined tomorrow night when Wigan St Patricks entertain Woolston in a vital premier division clash. Second from bottom St Pats need just one win from their final two matches - their last is at home to Leigh Miners Rangers next Saturday - to avoid the drop and send Heworth down.

There were good performances from all three North Yorkshire sides in the CMS Yorkshire League. York Groves just lost out in a tight third division clash at Earlsheaton, going down 20-14. Try scorers for the Terriers were Andy Starkey, Dave Ellis and John Rushworth while coach Alan Mitchell added a goal.

Also in the third division basement club Scarborough Sharks, with just five points all season, turned in an excellent performance to snatch a rare point in a 22-22 draw at third placed Ryhill. There was success too for Selby Warriors who had a 24-20 win at home to Prince of Wales in division two.

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