A CONVERTED 78th-minute try from Joe Budd gave York Acorn a 30-30 draw at Milford Marlins.

Milford dominated the opening quarter of this enthralling contest, but despite having little possession, Acorn stayed in this arm wrestle thanks to their outstanding on line defence that frustrated their hosts completely.

The work of second rower Reece Rushworth, centres Luke Swales and Jordan Potter and impressive substitute forward Jordan Hyde was instrumental in Acorns defensive efforts.

Then Acorn, on the back of their first period of sustained pressure, managed to get their noses in front when Budd put in a smart kick behind the hosts' try line and winger Ryan Gallacher was on hand to touch down and score a 25th minute try out wide, which Anthony Chilton added the conversion to put Acorn 6-0 in front.

Within minutes Milford hit back. Two quick play the balls later and the hosts were over for a converted try to tie the scores 6-6.

Milford edged into a 36th minute lead following a converted score.

Right on the stroke of half time Acorn were given a lift when substitute hooker Lewis Lord threw a huge dummy before walking over from the acting half role as the whole of the Milford try-line defence bought it. Chilton added the conversion to tie the scores up at 12 apiece as the half time whistle was blown.

The opening 10 minutes of the second period was forgettable as far as Acorn were concerned, as they seemed to have lost their composure in both attack and defence.

Too many lost balls in contact and forced passes was compounded by their ever-increasing indiscipline that allowed Milford to dominate ball possession.

One area that summed up the difference between the two sides at this point of the game was the fact that Milford seemed to find it far easier to get out of their own half and get on a roll, while Acorn were finding it increasingly difficult to clear their own 20.

Milford proved the value of playing off the front foot at pace when they notched two converted scores in the 45th and 50th minutes to move into a commanding 24-12 lead.

As an attacking force, Acorn suddenly woke up and started to play with cohesion. This brought them a great 52nd-minute team try on the back of players running good lines.

Started initially by a strong Lewis Lord run and offload to impressive forward Jack Byrne, who found Budd who crossed for a fine try. Chilton added the extras to put Acorn 24-18 behind.

Acorn drew level on 57 minutes, when a long pass near the halfway line saw Potter straighten up and cut through the Milford defensive line before offloading to winger Callum Worthington. He showed great pace to go round the Milford full back on the outside and score a great try. Chilton added the conversion.

Acorn allowed the Milfords forwards to open them up down the middle and moments later their hosts were back in front on 66 minutes with a converted score that saw them move into a 30-24 lead.

Acorn were making too many unforced errors at this point and seemed to have lost their structure and despite putting in plenty of effort were going home empty handed, when they certainly deserved something from this game.

But they saved the best for last when a wonderful attacking tactical kick from Chilton was latched on to by Budd who then sidestepped is way over for a try, which Chilton added the conversion to tie the scores up at 30 apiece.