York Acorn were left kicking their heels when off-the-field trouble caused a second game in as many weeks to be abandoned - but insist that this time they are not to blame.

The Thanet Road club were leading Hunslet Warriors 12-8 after 61 minutes when referee Nigel Taylor called time on the match in the face of abuse from the Hunslet fans and an argument with the touch judge.

Management staff from both teams pleaded with him to continue but he stuck to his guns and abandoned the National Conference One fixture.

Acorn chairman Kev Warters said: "I had my head in my hands. My worst scenario was a brawl and somebody being sent off - I never imagined we would have the game abandoned because of their spectators.

"We did ask them to step back from the barrier and to watch their language but they continued it.

"The positive thing is that we were winning the game and their coaching staff were trying to back us up because it's going to affect Acorn.

"It was a game played in really good spirit with good sportsmanship throughout. At one point, Johnny Waldron was going down the line and was taken out by a really good tackle. Our spectators were saying 'well done Johnny and good tackle number seven' and when they got up they were patting each other on the back.

"It's frustrating because aside from all this, morale is actually really good in the club."

Winger Waldron had put the home side 12-4 up at half time with two tries, both converted by Andy Henson, with Dean Creasser pulling one back for the Warriors.

The visitors then hit back again through a Carl Saville try and a thrilling last half hour was on the cards before the referee dismissed two Warriors players and the trouble started.

The league rules dictate that more than 70 minutes must be played in the event of an abandonment for the result to stand so Acorn will have to sweat on another league committee decision as to the result.

They are still waiting for a date to face the committee about last week's abandonment.

Updated: 13:37 Monday, October 24, 2005