IN-FORM York Acorn ARLC inflicted a first defeat of the season on Kells in National Conference League division one.

The Cumbrian visitors are pushing for a third successive promotion, but it was the third-placed Blue and Golds’ day as they won 38-12 at Thanet Road.

The first score of the match came from Joe Budd as he sidestepped the full-back having arrived in support of Tom Mackley, who was making his first start of the season.

Kells launched into a 15-minute period of pressure, but Acorn’s defence stood up well.

A forward pass from Kells gave Acorn possession and Budd took the ball forward and offloaded to star performer Lewis Lord, who went close before Tom Mackley darted in from dummy half at the next play the ball.

With Antony Chilton sidelined after a freak injury in the warm up, Ryan Gallacher landed the conversion.

It was then Acorn’s turn to apply the pressure, Lord again going close before Andy Gargan’s smart grubber on the last play was inch perfect for Gallacher to get the touchdown.

It took only one minute for Acorn to score again. Kells failed to secure the ball from the kick off and had to drop out.

Harry Bromwich made a superb break and supplied a fantastic pass back on the inside to the supporting Budd and he crossed under the posts.

Budd took over the kicking duties and added the extras.

Acorn were now well on top, but Kells came up with a score against the run of play when Acorn spilled the ball in a challenge and stand-off Tyrone Dalton was on hand to score, converted by Ross Gainford.

As the half closed, Acorn were given a penalty which Budd converted.

Acorn continued to dominate in attack after the break and forced two drop outs from the first two sets of the second half.

They continued to apply the pressure for ten minutes until a good grubber from Bromwich split the defence and, as the tacklers converged on him, he managed to give them the slip to touch the ball down. Budd converted.

Kells’ first foray into the Acorn half in the second period was rewarded when Acorn gave away the ball.

Prop David Lowery’s strong run took him close and hooker Bradley Smith darted in from dummy half. Gainford added the extras.

That sparked a Kells purple patch, but Acorn’s defence in the final 20 metres stood firm.

With time running out, Kells’ indiscipline gave Acorn the chance to mount another attack, and the power of Tim Stubbs was too much for the defence as he crashed over.

Kells again fell foul of the referee and handed Acorn more possession and Lord finally made it over the line for Budd to goal.

In a superb performance from Acorn across the park, the man of the match accolade went to 19-year-old Lord, for his ability to control the game around the ruck.