THEY always knew it was going to be a tall order but York Acorn's non-promotion fate was finally sealed on Saturday in a 26-12 defeat by West Hull.

Heroics from Great Britain trio Adam Endersby, Johnny Waldron and Andy Gargan had put them 12-10 up.

But a serious arm injury to star ex-professional Darren Callaghan which will need surgery and a slip of concentration allowed West Hull to take control and end Acorn's slim hopes of winning a second-successive promotion into the National Conference premier division.

Acorn had gone a try down but they came back to 10-10 thanks to a pop-up try by prop Endersby, and a trade Mark Waldron break after skipper Mike Embleton released him with 40 yards to go.

Gargan, who goaled 11 out of 12 attempts for the BARLA Great Britain side in their 70-0 thrashing of the Police at Sandal midweek, kicked a two-pointer before finding another to put Acorn ahead.

Hull then found the strength to respond with a converted try and a penalty before running up an unassailable lead.

"We're gutted," said centre Embleton. "We had them on the rack at one point but they turned on a bit of pressure and came back.

"We really wanted to win but I'm pleased with the performance.

"Promotion is definitely out now so we'll be putting a few young lads in that will be looking to progress for next year.

"I thought we would be able to compete because we beat Dockers early on but the pile-up of fixtures took it out of us a bit.

"Maybe next year."

Acorn face Hunslet Warriors at home on Tuesday, 6.45pm.

Updated: 10:26 Monday, April 17, 2006