Future is bright for York Acorn - coach Alf Hill

Alf Hill led York Acorn to promotion to the Premier League in 2008

York Acorn amateur rugby league club are being tipped for success next season after reaching their divisional play-offs.

Acorn finished sixth in the National Conference Premier division after being favourites for relegation.

Coach Alf Hill told BBC Radio York: "We were tipped to be going down to division 1 but the lads came up trumps.

"It's great we've got a massive squad now and they won't tip us for relegation again."

Hill added: "The juniors that have stepped in have done marvellously.

When that silverware comes here, I'll be the proudest man in this town

Alf Hill

"This club is beyond what people may think. Although at Under-18 level we still play in the Yorkshire League and a lot of clubs play in the Gillette Youth League, we still keep turning out players that are massive and I'm sure we'll keep turning them out.

"We'll keep going and we deserve to be in the premier and I'm sure we'll be in the premier for another five years at least. Certainly in my term anyway."

The 2009/10 season was the second one in the top flight for York Acorn.

Hill said: "It took us an awful long to time to get in the Premier Division and it's like any other sport. It's top rugby league at amateur level.

"All I want now is - I'd just love, before I can turn myself in - I'd love to get a bit of silverware. National Cup, League Champions or play-offs and we are capable.

"When that silverware comes here, I'll be the proudest man in this town, no doubt about that. "