LEAGUE leaders York Acorn ARL Under-18s moved three points clear of the chasing pack after their 36-18 win over championship rivals Lindley Swifts.

The Blue and Golds trailed 4-0 before hitting back in fine style as stand-off Andy Lee and loose forward Danny Liddell imposed themselves on the game.

The defensive prowess of Stephen Rodgers and Andy Watson ensured the Swifts made little impact in attack, while Acorn scored tries through Rian Calam, Thomas Whitelam, Dave Peacock, Stephen Waldron, Andy Watson and Lee. Lee and Liddell also kicked a pair of goals each.

An injury-hit Heworth Under-18s side produced a disjointed performance but managed to better Dudley Hill 24-20.

The Villagers led 20-6 at the interval but further injuries to key players and indiscipline gave the visitors opportunities to force their way back into the game.

Nathan Witty received the man-of-the-match award for his hat-trick display and there were also tries for Bob Taylor and Ben Whisker, while Carl Potter kicked two goals.

York Acorn Under-11s reached the last four of the Yorkshire Cup for the second successive season with their comfortable 58-6 win over Middleton.

A solid all round Acorn performance brought tries for eight different players, including a hat-trick for Simon Wadsworth.

Nick Hartley (2), Liam Watling, David Melody, Leigh Rientoul, Tom Hill, Jordan Capel and Tom Dunmore, who also kicked seven out of 11 goals.

A devastating second half showing from York Acorn Under-14s saw the Blue and Golds overturn a 14-12 interval deficit to win 40-20 against Oulton.

Acorn's fightback was down to a wholehearted team showing in which hat-trick scorer Rich Scott and John Tattersfield were particularly impressive.

Stand-off Mark Dawson and scrum-half Andy Gargan laid the foundations for most of Acorn's attacking play, while Ben Jones and Robbie Dolan also caught the eye.

Acorn's other try scorers were Danny Wilkes (2), Phil Coles, Tattersfield and Gargan, who also kicked four goals.

New Earswick All Blacks Under 16s travelled to Morley to inflict another heavy defeat on Seigan Saints.

Last week the young All Blacks won 86-4 at White Rose Avenue and although Saintswere able to field one more player than sickness-hit All Blacks, the York side ran away to a 62-4 win with tries by Carl Bushby (6), Adam Westwood (2), John Taylor, Darren Gargan, Paul Raybould, Ben Reibel and Steve Wearmouth. Bushby (2), Andy Innes (2) and Gargan added conversions.

York Acorn Under-8s continued their recent good run with a 42-4 victory over visitors Normanton courtesy of top tackling trio Carl Gibson, David Leeke and Johnathon Gargan.

Matthew Fairclough scored a hat-trick of tries and there were further scores for Jason Blackburn (2), Ross Varley and Gibson. Fairclough, Varley and Jake Moyse also kicked goals.

A tight encounter with Normanton saw York Acorn Under-7s edge to a 24-20 triumph.

Luke Watling and Stuart Leeke held the visitors at bay for long periods enabling Acorn to score tries through Jake Moyse, Ben Johnson, Johnathon Gargan, Ross Varley and Nathaniel Vollons.

York Acorn Under-9s were also winners in a close encounter, beating Normanton 34-32 after leading 22-10 at half-time.

Scott Maxwell and Danny Sandford each scored twice while there were single scores for Joe Budd, Lee Botterill and debut maker Shaun Martin. Goals were added by Maxwell, Botterill and Sandford.

A season's best showing from York Acorn Under-10s earned a 28-24 victory over a well organised Churwell side.

Resolute defence proved the match winning asset for Acorn, with Tim Elliott, Daniel Pfluger and Mackley twins Thomas and Steven to the fore.

The Blue and Golds' try scorers were Elliott (2), Adam Sellars, Mackley and Andrew Raynor.

York Acorn Under-15s were defeated 28-20 by Kippax at Thanet Road after losing forward pair Paul Payne and Nicky Caldwell through injuries.

Each injured player scored a try before being withdrawn, while Acorn's other points came from tries by Kevin Carolyn and Johnny Waldron and two goals from Craig Fox.

Heworth Under-14s top of the table clash with hosts Drighlington ended in a 48-36 defeat, despite Jon Jewitt scoring four tries and four goals.

The Villagers were guilty of attempting to force the pace after the break when a more cautious approach may have paid dividends. Paul Hagan scored two tries and Mike Cammidge one.

A last minute interception try denied Heworth Under-9s victory as they went down 26-24 at Hunslet Parkside. Danny Allan scored four tries for the Villagers.

Heworth Under-12s defeated local rivals New Earswick All Blacks 24-4 to progress to the next round of the Continuation Cup.

First half tries by Adam Flint, Stuart Brown and Phil Clark plus an Andy Parkinson goal saw the Villagers take an interval lead, while victory was sealed with second half tries by Sam Ellis and Brown, and a second Parkinson goal.

Liam Stagnell excelled in defence to take the man-of-the-match award.

Joe Hodgson scored Heworth Under-11s' only try as they were beaten 44-6 by visitors Dewsbury Moor in the Challenge Cup quarter-final. Steve Wood converted Hodgson's try.

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