A STRONG York Acorn 'A' team enjoyed a good 35-24 win over promotion-chasing Rotherham Roosters in Pennine League division three.

A number of first-teamers could not make the rearranged long trip to Hensingham for the National Cup loss and some boosted the reserve team for this home game, not least former Doncaster Dragons and York Wasps centre Gareth Lloyd, who was among the try-scorers.

New Earswick All Blacks were given a walkover 30-0 result in Pennine League division one as Birkenshaw forfeited the game.

This closed the gap to leaders Halifax Irish, whose game against third-placed Kippax Welfare was called off.

York Groves were held to a 24-24 draw away to Woodhouse Warriors in division five, while Selby Warriors, who were not in action, dropped to second in division four as new leaders Littleborough thrashed lowly Thornton.

Heworth 'A' paid for a below-par performance as they lost 18-14 to Castleford Panthers 'A' in Yorkshire League division three.

Heworth started brightly and took the lead with a Gary Watkinson penalty and, after a converted try from the Panthers, went back in front as Wayne Foster crashed over from a good Lee Clarke pass, Watkinson goaling.

The Panthers, playing a more expansive game, hit back to lead 14-8 at half-time and, although Heworth showed more character in the second period, poor handling and indiscipline hampered their cause.

They managed to equalise when Kevin Gott dashed over, teenager Ben Potter - who had a good open age debut - goaling, but Cas clinched the points with a try on the hour mark which Heworth could not overturn.

Andy Gaskill, Dave Varley and Pete Wrigglesworth gave sound performances in a disappointing team display.

Updated: 09:48 Tuesday, January 31, 2006