YORK Acorn ARLFC ‘A’ repelled a Yorkshire League men’s group three invasion by Holderness Vikings.

The key to the hosts’ 24-20 triumph was a whirlwind opening 20 minutes in which they surged 18-0 up.

Karl Harton, Carl Loft and Adam Sellars, the latter shrugging off three attempts by the defence to halt his progress, all crossed the whitewash with Stephen Waldron adding the extras.

The Vikings woke up and mounted a wave of attacks, but Acorn’s rearguard was solid as they defended five sets within ten metres of their try line before the visitors finally crossed for a try just before half-time.

The second half opened with Acorn second best and having to defend for almost 15 minutes as possession was passed back to the opposition too easily.

The Vikings rattled in three tries for a 20-18 advantage.

But inspired by man-of-the-match Carl Loft’s never-say-die approach, Acorn countered.

Waldron returned to the field after a spell on the touchline, and directed a move for Joey Burns to break the defence and touch down. Waldron’s conversion sealed the win.

Other notable performances came from Nathan Hebblethwaite, Karl Harton, Jimmy Mountford and Lee Frank.

Also in group three, Heworth ‘A’ gained their first league win, a superb display toppling Hull Dockers ‘A’ 30-14 at Elmpark Way after trailing 14-0 in the opening 20 minutes.

But once the black and whites settled they took command.

Dave Gardner set up a try for debutant Kurt Cookson, goaled by Dan Craig. Full back Henry Newitt and Ollie Wilcox-Harrison then scored good individual tries to level the score at the break.

The second period was played in torrential rain and understandably mistakes were frequent.

The hosts took the lead for the first time when man-of-the-match Wayne Foster sent Cookson racing 50 metres for a superb second try goaled by Craig.

Substitute John Dobson used his size and strength to crash over from a Chris Varley pass for a try converted by Craig and then added his second in the corner with ten minutes left to end the contest.

Foster, Varley, Stephen Gudgeon and Martin Jackson led the forwards well with great support from Ant Acomb and Gardner.