YORK Acorn breezed past Ideal Isberg as a super second-half show saw them kick-off their 2006 campaign on a fine winning note.

The Hull outfit came to Thanet Road on the back of a losing run away from home but Acorn were wary the festive break may prove something of a leveller.

But those concerns were waved away as the York side ran in eight tries in a 40-16 victory which kept them in touch with the leaders in National Conference League division one.

Youngster Matty Embleton and scrum-half Andy Gargan gave the Blue and Golds an excellent start before Joe Wardell hit back, Mark Wardell converting, and stand-off Neil Ellis crossed to give the visitors the lead.

Nevertheless, Gareth Lloyd fittingly scored a try on the day his late uncle, St John Ellis, the former York, Castleford, Great Britain and Doncaster star who died last week, was remembered with a minute's silence at York's amateur rugby league grounds, and Gargan goaled for a 14-10 home lead at half-time.

Acorn then began the second half in style as winger Steve Irving and loose-forward Darren Callaghan raced in for two tries in two minutes and, even though Ideal replied with a converted Ellis touchdown, the Blue and Golds soon went clear.

Gargan scored his second try, prolific winger Jonny Waldron sped in and his centre, Mike Embleton, also joined in the fun, with Gar-gan finishing with four goals.

Updated: 11:03 Monday, January 09, 2006