GUTSY York Acorn ARLC kept their National Conference League division one play-off hopes alive with a 30-26 comeback win at Shaw Cross Sharks.

The Blue and Golds trailed 20-12 at half-time after a lacklustre first half showing, but rallied to win 30-26 courtesy of a late clinching try.

Acorn were terrible in the opening 20 minutes and Shaw Cross profited with a converted try in the opening 60 seconds.

On six minutes, second rower Elliott Bulmer combined with centre Jordan Potter perfectly to see the latter cross for a try that stand off Antony Chilton converted to level the scores.

Missed tackles allowed the hosts in again on 16 minutes and Acorn again showed frailty near their own line on 20 minutes, with a converted try handing the Sharks a 16-6 advantage.

Acorn tightened up their one on one tackling and the introduction of impact forwards Josh Mortimer and Martin McTigue

helped them to gain a foothold in the game.

However, the hosts broke free of the Acorn shackles on 29 minutes to plunder another try.

Acorn gave themselves a sniff of a chance when winger Steve Mackley squeezed in at the corner and Chilton added the extras.

A dominant second half showing from the Blue and Golds made a mockery of the opening 40 minutes.

Acorn reduced the deficit early in the second half when centre Matthew Woods capitalised on good approach play by full-back Joe Budd to run a perfect line and cut through to score a try converted by Chilton.

The visitors took the lead when excellent passing ended with Budd going in for a try which Chilton goaled.

On 65 minutes, Shaw Cross regained the upper hand against the run of play, but Acorn responded superbly as Woods went over out wide for his second try.

Chilton kicked the conversion to round off the scoring.