Volunteer Arms romped to a York Sunday Afternoon League record score with a 28-3 win over luckless Acomb Tigers - the second time this season Tigers have been record victims.

In October they crashed 22-0 to CB United a week after having lost 26-1 in a York FA Cup match.

Mike Heever led the rout last weekend, scoring nine times, followed by Paul King netting eight goals to make him the leading scorer in division six. Ian Hufton bagged four goals, Joe Hall and Luke Norton two each and there was one apiece for Chris Elliott, Tim Hudson and Darren Fearn.

"It could have been fifty," said Volunteer's manager Tracey Cormack. "They did not have a full side to start with and lost a player injured. We were 15-2 ahead at half-time. We let our goalkeeper played upfield for the last 20 minutes so he could move around after having had nothing to do."

This massive win - their previous highest was 12-0 against Burton Stone - puts Volunteer three points behind the leaders in division six with two games in hand.

"We are determined to win the division this season," added Cormack. "We were well placed at the same time last season but suffered a lot of injuries and faded to finish fifth."

Tigers, bottom of the table and without a point in their first season in the league, will battle on despite their misfortunes.

"We were short of players because some didn't turn up despite me having told the lads of us having this game," rued manager Nikki Smith.

"I was gutted by this defeat. The lads were downhearted about it but they are a good bunch. They are enjoying playing in the league despite everything. We deserve more credit for the wholehearted way the lads keep trying.

"We do not have a league match this weekend because our scheduled opponents have a cup-tie, so I am going to get our lads to go and watch my husband's team CB United and get some tips on playing.

"I have been running the team on my own recently and it's a lot of work what with a family of four to look after as well. We will stick it out till the end of the season and then decide what to do.

"I desperately need an assistant manager to ring round the players and do other similar jobs. My husband Sid helps out when he can, coming along to watch and urge the players on from the touchline. I wash all the shirts for my team and his.

"We did not have a proper goalkeeper last weekend so had to put one of the outfield players between the posts. I have a squad of about 20 players including two young goalkeeper aged 17 and 18 but I really need a more experienced goalkeeper, someone in their twenties.

"I have just signed a couple of players from the defunct Leeman United side and hopefully they will make a big difference."

Those interested in applying for the job as Tigers' assistant manager can ring Mrs Smith on York (01904) 783223.

Volunteer, meanwhile, have received more good news by getting to use Huntington Stadium again for a big charity match later this year.

Last year they raised £1,000 for cancer care by staging a charity soccer match in which several celebrities appeared as guest players.

This year Volunteer intend to raise money for the Evening Press £2 million Hospice Appeal by staging another celebrity match after the end of the rugby league season.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.