YORK Acorn Ladies player-coach Michaela Hirst has refused to comment on allegations made by rival team East Hull following the abandonment amid stormy scenes of their opening game of the season.

The matter came to a head as East Hull sent a letter to the Women's Amateur Rugby League Association demanding action be taken against Acorn players involved in the controversial call-off.

This letter, published in a weekly trade paper, said the game was abandoned after 20 minutes because of the actions of three Acorn players, including Hirst.

It claimed the trio questioned the referee throughout the game and hurled abuse at the official after a Donna Parker try was disallowed.

It also claimed that one of the three was sent off but refused to leave the pitch-side and ran back onto the pitch towards the referee.

The letter added that East Hull were concerned the league would "take little action... because at least one of the above-named players seems able to unduly influence the processes of your committee".

That last allegation arose after the committee, on which Hirst sits, changed the league format at late notice before the season kicked off from two divisions of six to one of 12, which will be split at new year into two divisions based on standings at that time. The letter claimed this new set-up would suit Acorn.

Hirst had no comment to make about the controversial call-off, or her alleged influence on the WARL committee.

Neither would she confirm or deny the report in the trade paper.

Acorn Ladies secretary Yvette Shepherd said she too had no comment to make until she had collated the full details of the matter.

The club have yet to receive the referee's report but it is thought East Hull have been awarded the points from the match.

Acorn Ladies, who were hammered 60-0 by Bradford in their second game of the campaign, have no game this weekend.

Updated: 10:56 Thursday, October 13, 2005