York Acorn aim for play-off place

York Acorn go into the new year with much higher targets after ending 2008 in third place in the National Conference League Premier Division.

Coach Alfie Hill told BBC Radio York: "At the start of the season they had us finishing at the bottom of the league."

Instead Acorn thrashed bottom club Thornhill 60-14 to end the year just four points behind the league leaders.

"We've got a tough run-in but we will be trying to beat them and trying to make the play-offs," Hill added.

"We aren't going to go down, that is for certain, we are going forward and we are competitive."

We've got away games to come against all of the top teams but we will be going there to beat them

York Acorn coach Alfie Hill

Hill was full of praise for the commitment shown by his side to score so many points against Thornhill when players might have taken it easy over Christmas.

"[It is difficult] asking lads to stay in on Boxing Day but one or two of them did.

"Nick Caldwell, a prop and our best eater in the team, I was very worried about him over the festive period because he could put a stone on in a week.

"For a prop to run 70 yards and score under the sticks, I thought that was brilliant.

"Ben Jones was outstanding in the centre, he scored three tries, I don't think anyone had a poor game," Hill said.

Former York City Knights star Mark Cain made his debut at loose forward, despite retiring a few years ago with a knee injury, and he may make further appearances if he is fit enough.

"We've got away games to come against all of the top teams but we will be going there to beat them," Hill added.